In Ecclesiastes 5:2 Solomon says, “Do not be quick with your mouth; do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth.” Or, we might say, “God is big and you are little, so show a little respect.” Every once […]
(…continued) Funeral for Ora Casdorph, March 31, 1997, Stover, Missouri: This is a difficult sermon for me to preach, difficult because I did not know Mr. Casdorph well at all. I visited him a few times at the request of his sister, my friend and parishioner, Mabel Schupp. For
3198) Two Old Friends (2/2) Read More »
In my forty years as a pastor I visited many people in their last years, months, and days. Many of these people were in nursing homes, or were shut-ins in their own home. For some, my monthly visit would be their only visitor. These people, who at one time were busy raising families, farming
3197) Two Old Friends (1/2) Read More »
Above: Going to Church, 1960 (I’m the one wearing the black hat) ————————————- Clayton was a teenager in my congregation several years ago. He was a good boy and always did what his parents told him to do. His parents told him to go along to church with them every Sunday morning, and
3192) Making Memories Read More »
Last Sunday in church we sang “Come Jesus Come” by Stephen McWhirter (2020). When I got home I did an internet search for the song and it’s writer/singer. I found a great performance of the song by Stephen McWhirter with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and, I found McWhirter’s powerful testimony. Take the time
3160) Two Pretty Good Songs Read More »
The congregation I am a member of has called a new pastor. Today he will preach in our church for the first time. Our current pastor is retiring after faithfully leading these people for 35 years. The Call Committee has been planning, searching, and interviewing candidates for over a year and a half.
3121) Seeking the Perfect Pastor Read More »
Each New Year’s Day, as does each birthday, brings with it the unsettling reminder that another year is gone. I would guess that everyone (after a certain age, anyway) thinks about that at least a little bit. We get only so many years here, and these annual reminders seem to come around faster
3111) A Psalm, a Hymn, and a Prayer for New Year’s Day Read More »
In three previous meditations I have expressed my enthusiasm for and appreciation of The John 10:10 Project ( https://thejohn1010project.com/ ). I hope you have taken the time to view some of their 200 wonderful videos. They specializing in portraying the wonders of God’s amazing creation, but they explore other subjects as well. All
3101) Visualizing Christmas Read More »
Don’t miss the videos at the end– especially the first one! It was December 2019 and Lisa Clow was not at all in the Christmas spirit. It had been a difficult year and a half, and she was struggling. Finances had been a problem, she suffered a miscarriage, and some troubled relationships left
3099) Oh Come, All You Unfaithful Read More »
One of the best-loved Christmas carols is Joy to the World. The song begins with “Joy to the world, the Lord has come; let earth receive its King;” and then we sing, “Let every heart prepare him room.” Prepare him room, it says, or, make room for Jesus. The phrase brings to mind
