* a sermon preached at New Hope Lutheran Church on February 19, 2017 * Since sermons are primarily intended to be heard, you can listen along here. Texts for the 7th Sunday after the Epiphany: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 + Psalm 119:33-40 + 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 + Matthew 5:38-48 *************** Please pray with me this morning: Holy … Continue reading Love Without Restrictions
"It could have been me..." "It could have been been me in that club. You could be posting about me right now." "It could have been me." These very same words were posted by at least 5 of my friends yesterday after learning about the horrific massacre at an Orlando gay nightclub … Continue reading “It Could Have Been Me.”
Some thoughts on the Grace of God. I was asked to offer a reflection on God's grace for an interment of one the true gems of our congregation, Kim. Below is my attempt to offer something meaningful. ------------------ Think of a gift you’ve received. But not just any gift. Think of something that you were given … Continue reading Goodness Gracious
There is no such thing as an insignificant loss of life. All life is sacred. All life is divine. All life is important. All lives matter. --------- As I internally struggle with what’s happening in Ferguson, Missouri, I’m also being confronted with similar stories from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Hammond, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois… I think, by and … Continue reading What is hope?
Facebook is killing us. I’m convinced of this. And it’s not just Facebook. Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, WordPress… All are at fault. Slowly, but surely, sucking the life out of us. Social media has fostered a culture of false positivity. Think about it. Very few people air their problems on Facebook. Largely our newsfeeds are overwhelmingly … Continue reading Facebook is Killing Us
A few weeks ago, I ended my post with a question: Can I hold hope? I'm not sure I have an answer, but I've got a few more thoughts. ------------ I’m not a particularly graceful person. I’m clunky. I’m a little oddly-shaped. I’m slightly awkward. My feet turn inward. I stumble, misstep, drop, falter, and … Continue reading Holding Hope
the narrow way 