When it comes to prayer, the very first words Jesus taught us to use in approaching God is “Our Father.” He is actually asking us to call His Father, Our Father! What welcome we are given as members of the heavenly family! He assures us of our divine relationship with God. We do not pray to a dumb idol, a mysterious god, or even an unimpressionable Deity. We pray to a paternal Deity. We pray … Continue reading →
Most people would consider the practice of prayer as the means of getting what one might want from their God, but true biblical prayer is much more than just asking. During the “Sermon on the Mount” Jesus included instruction on how to pray. When we examine His lesson on prayer, we see that He introduces prayer as first giving praise to God. Jesus said, start like this, “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy … Continue reading →
I have a theory that our problems of self-esteem, lack of confidence, anxiety, and probably a lot of other internal conflicts are caused by not dying to self. What I mean is, I think the more we allow our minds to think upon ourselves, internally thinking about what we lack or what’s troubling us or what’s wrong with us or why can’t I fit in or feel a sense of peace or belonging, the more … Continue reading →
This is not something new for me to say, but I think worship — the way we worship — is very much dependent on our culture. On any given Sunday morning we’ll find churches with various formats to their worship programs. Some are very liturgical and some are very laid back. Many years ago this thought was shared with me by a missionary who was home in the states on furlough. The missionary was working … Continue reading →
In our modern American vernacular the term “church” often refers to a building where people meet on Sunday mornings for worship. However, the biblical definition of church is really those called out of the world to follow Christ Jesus. So my headline for this post is a reference to those who follow Jesus without being in regular involvement with an institutional church where people gather on Sunday morning for worship. I meet these people everyday … Continue reading →
I’m trying to think about what’s ahead in this new year and I’m drawing a blank. I’m finding that I can’t think much beyond what’s on my schedule for the coming week. I’m not finding the energy or the motivation to optimistically set goals or lay plans that will pave the way for higher levels of accomplishments this new year. In years past, when I was younger and more career ambitious, I would spend more … Continue reading →
Working in a hospital as a chaplain means that I am often present when a death is about to occur or has occurred. There are areas in the hospital, like the Emergency Room, where nurses will comment upon seeing me and exclaim, “Oh no, what’s happening.” For me being present when death occurs is not a difficult assignment because it is an opportunity to support the family with spiritual care at what will always be … Continue reading →
I recently watched a documentary that showed a potential link between COVID vaccines and sudden deaths. Several morticians talked about the rise of odd blood clots that appear long and rubbery. Stats on birthing decline and an increase of cancer deaths were also shared. If one simply considers the information given in this documentary, it would seem understandable for a viewer to walk away succumbing to fear. After all, it’s not just this documentary that … Continue reading →
Facing the end-of-life of a loved one or a family member tends to raise the stress level of the would-be survivors. There are decisions that must be made in cooperation with the medical team and there is the weight of knowing that decisions will need to be made post-medical care. Healing has decisions that must be made and dying has its own set of decisions that must be made. It is easier for the family … Continue reading →
During the height of the COVID pandemic I got a text message from a patient who was dying. She was about 30 days into an isolation stay and the medical team had given up hope of being able to do anything to help. The patient was a nurse and we texted during her hospitalization, most recently her texts were an honest reflection on dying. On this one particular day, her text was simply, How should … Continue reading →
I want to address two statements by the Apostle Paul that are commonly known by the phrase, “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” The first of these is in 2 Corinthians 5:8 which states, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” The second of these is in Philippians 1:23 which states, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, … Continue reading →
Billy Graham often said “We will all live forever somewhere, either in Heaven or in Hell.” However, is that really true? Is that really what is stated in the Bible? As much as I liked and admired Billy Graham, I have to admit that every time I heard him say that my biblical defense system went up. The ability to live eternally is what is known as immortality. Do a dictionary definition search and you’ll … Continue reading →
Today I turn 60-years old. I know it’s a big milestone in life, but at the moment I am not finding it as depressing as I thought I would when I considered this day in years past. As I wrote before, turning 50 was an emotionally difficult thing for me because it kind of took me by surprise. I have expected the same reaction to turning 60 but it hasn’t happened. Probably because I have … Continue reading →
While I was serving as the pastor of CrossHope Chapel for 12-years, I was frequently called “Pastor” and even referred to myself as “Pastor.” Why? Because that was my role and the title my church used to address that and respectfully recognize that. The use of the word “Pastor” was a title for my role. Now biblically speaking the word is meant more as a spiritual gift one might have than a title of a … Continue reading →