As I was thinking about writing a devotion for this week, a variety of subjects bounced around in my head. We’ve just celebrated the Day of Pentecost, this Sunday is Father’s Day, and our congregation is learning about the process of calling a pastor and figuring out how to functionRead More →
Fresh Breath Before moving to Cedar Rapids, we lived in Denver, Colorado (Littleton actually) for almost 10 years. From our back yard you could see the buildings downtown – well, except on a “Brown Cloud” day. But head west into the foothill towards the Continental Divide and it was alwaysRead More →
“Please” and “Thank You” I am sure your parents were like mine and made sure you knew “the two most important words you’ll ever need to get through life.” These words may also work together to form the shortest worship service outline ever! During our worship service we offer petitionsRead More →
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7) It’s that time of year — commencements, graduations, confirmations — some of the most important events in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Graduation ceremonies, of course,Read More →
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gatesRead More →
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want . . .” (Psalm 23:1) So Jesus said again to them, “Truly, I say to you . . . I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) This coming Sunday is one of myRead More →
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them . .” – Romans 12:6a “The only constant is change” is one ofRead More →
Hidden in Plain Sight Luke 24:13-16, 30-31 “Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself cameRead More →
T.G.I.F. Does the name “Larry Appleton” sound familiar? Perhaps if I toss in “Balki Bartokomous” it might become a bit clearer (at least to those of us born before 1980). The show was Perfect Strangers, and it was part of ABC’s late 80’s-early 90’s TGIF programming block, a moniker borrowed fromRead More →
Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem Matthew 21: 1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, an a colt with her; untieRead More →