The COVID-19 news continues to swirl around us. Openings, closings, guidelines, expert advice (often contradicting), and still a lot of confusion. So much so that other things are being blown aside and barely mentioned. Now I’m not saying that we don’t need to stay informed concerning the coronavirus; we do. But not to the point…
God inspired it, and King David wrote it. It’s a song of joy that would be sung by God’s people on their journey for feast times in Jerusalem. It was a song of rejoicing, unity, and worship. And honestly, it’s something we can embrace today as the Church. “I was glad when they said unto…
These last couple of months around here have been something. In a sense, it seems like forever ago things started shutting down, and in another way it seems like yesterday. Anyone else feel that way? By the time we begin having services here again on May 17, it will have been 8 Sundays and 9…
This week’s Pastor’s Heart was really written 147 years ago. What do I mean? Well, it’s my favorite hymn, written back in 1873; I’ve meditated on it all week, and what a blessing it’s been: “When peace like a river attendeth my way; When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught…
For a couple of weeks, I have received constant updates. Sometimes 2 or 3 a day. The topic has crept into many conversations, and not just mine but those of others as well. I not only heard about it; I watched the progression with my own eyes. Day after day. Every day. By the way,…
Being Easter, this is the weekend you usually see them, for the most part, in church yards. But this year, you see them more often in your neighborhood yards and maybe in your own yard. I’m talking about a cross. As I’ve driven around this past week or so (yes, essential travel!), I have noticed…
They’ve become so familiar. “Safer at Home.” “Shelter at Home.” “Shelter in Place.” On Wednesday, here in Georgia our governor said he is declaring a “shelter in place” order for us, trying to deter as much as possible the spread of the coronavirus. Some have even called these changes in lifestyle the “new normal.” And…
It’s a place where I’ve done a lot of meditating. I’ve written sermons. I’ve prayed through problems and solutions. I’ve done church calendar planning. I’ve even rehearsed through choir specials, including full-length Christmas programs. I’ve done all that right there on that riding lawn mower while cutting grass or mulching leaves. And this past weekend…
Fear or faith? It’s a choice, you know. There are many places in Scripture where you can see it. Phrases like “I will not fear,” “I will not be afraid,” and others are there to see. And in each one of those passages, there is also found a statement of trust in God. I like…
Sometimes simple is best. Especially in a week like this one and, more than likely, the ones to come. So in all the COVID-19 confusion, doubt, and sifting for facts, here’s something simple and straightforward to keep in mind. Memorize it. Repeat it. Live it. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is…