The Fruit of the Spirit

…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.   (Galatians 5:22) When I moved into town as a new pastor, I heard terrible stories about George. He had chased the ladies, been too fond of liquor, and been a shady businessman. Every time I heard one of these …

Continue reading The Fruit of the Spirit

Jesus Overturning The “Tables”

Then they came to Jerusalem.  And [Jesus] entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves…  (Mk. 11:15) The most unpopular thing I did in 30 years …

Continue reading Jesus Overturning The “Tables”

God Is With You

It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.    (Dt. 31:8) Moses knows he will soon die.  One of his last acts is to put the mantle of leadership on Joshua.  Joshua is overwhelmed because there …

Continue reading God Is With You

God’s Faithfulness

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.  (Heb. 10:23) How can we deepen our faith?  How can we share it?  How can we nurture it in our family and express it at work?  Because there is nothing more essential than our faith, it …

Continue reading God’s Faithfulness

Imitating Jesus

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1) Who do we imitate in life? We imitate our parents, siblings, or friends. We imitate certain television stars, movie characters, or athletes. We imitate the attitudes or behaviors we respect or admire in others. Before I went to school I wanted to imitate …

Continue reading Imitating Jesus