The Eyes of the Heart Ephesians 1.11-23 All Saints Day has been a Christian religious tradition since the fourth century. It is November 1st on the calendar, but we recognize it in worship the Sunday after November 1st. — But many churches do not recognize All Saints Day at all. Many do not include a … [Read more…]
What does the life of a Christian look like? Luke 18:9-14 In Sunday School we are learning about living a contemplative life, which is living in the moment, praying without ceasing, connecting with God in everything, not looking at everything in terms of black and white, right vs. wrong, but instead seeing the complexities and … [Read more…]
“What does the Lord Require of You?” Luke 14.25-33 When I was a student at Jesse M. Clark Junior High School – yes at that time it was called Junior High and not middle school, clothes were very important. “Preppy” was the fashion. I had colorful Chino pants and button-down shirts with a matching belt … [Read more…]
Southern Etiquette Luke 14.1, 7-14 A friend of mine has a mixed marriage. She is from here in Kentucky and she married a man from Wisconsin. I know – I know, I warned them. It is a mixed culture marriage and while I am all for diversity, it has caused a lot of problems through … [Read more…]
Watchful Waiting Luke 12:32-40 As you drive south of Lexington, you will more than likely see signs made by Evangelist Dewey Cooper that say: “Jesus is coming, Are you Ready?” I have always wondered if those signs have had any positive effect. Has anyone come to know Jesus because of one of those signs? Has … [Read more…]
What is Enough? Luke 12.13-21 My grandfather Devine died from lung at home under excellent Hospice care when I was in my mid-20’s. My aunt called when they believed he was at the end of his life and I drove over the Harrodsburg to sit vigil with the family as my grandfather transitioned from this … [Read more…]
Lord Teach Us to Pray Luke 11:1-13 As you know, 6 of us from Providence returned a week ago from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Every two years the denomination “assembles” for worship, education, business and fellowship. It is always great to reconnect with old Disciple friends. There are always … [Read more…]
A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen Luke 10.38-42 A woman’s place is in the kitchen. While I do not remember being told this in seriousness, I was taught it by example from my earliest days. At my grandmother Devine’s house, family gathered every Sunday after church for dinner and every holiday. The women would … [Read more…]
John 1.1-18 My mother-in-law exemplifies hospitality. She not only makes people feel welcome into her home, she makes people feel welcome anywhere that she is – in other people’s homes, in church, in restaurants, at funerals, department stores, she opens her heart to everyone around her. If you look up the word, “hospitality” in the … [Read more…]
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Last Sunday was Epiphany Sunday and I told you that for us, here in the West, it is a remembrance and celebration of the Magi coming with gifts for the Christ child. As the 12th day of Christmas it marks the end of the Christmas season for the church. Epiphany is a … [Read more…]
