    When I was preaching every Sunday, I often struggled with what to say on Mother’s Day. Of course, I would say “Happy Mother’s Day” during the announcements, and then, in the prayers I would give thanks to God for our mothers. But beyond that, I wasn’t sure what else I should do. Many people […]
3240) Mother’s Day, Guilt, and Mephibosheth Read More »
Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Derick Hall was born at 23 weeks. He had no heartbeat and doctors gave him a one percent chance of survival. But his mom refused to take him off life support. Now he is a Super Bowl champion. After the victory, Derick Hall reflected on the moment using a word that has
 Genesis 1:27-28a (RSV) — So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply…” *******************************     Not everyone chooses to get married. Not everyone who wants to get married gets
3152) Be Fruitful and Multiply Read More »
When I was in seminary fifty years ago, one of my professors lamented the number of best-selling books that were selling nothing more than plain old common sense. He could not understand why people had to pay money for knowledge that came naturally to their far less educated grandparents. But then he said, “Perhaps we
Above image: A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965), from the 1961 movie ————————-    The 1959 Broadway play “A Raisin in the Sun” tells the story of a black family in Harlem. They never had much money and saw little chance of escaping their poverty. Then the father died and the
3146) “There is Always Something Left to Love” Read More »
By Lee Strobel ———————————— “This is embarrassing,” my friend said to me over the phone. “That’s okay,” I assured him. “Go ahead. You can tell me.” He sighed. “Well, we found out our little girl shoplifted a book from the church bookstore. We were really surprised because she’s a good kid. Anyway, I was wondering whether
3115) A Lesson in Grace Read More »
   Last Tuesday Ben Sasse, age 53, wrote a “Letter to America” announcing that he had been diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. Sasse served as a Republican Senator from Nebraska from 2015-2023.    He resigned from the Senate in 2023 to become the president of the University of Florida. The following year, he
3107) “Friends… I Am Going to Die” Read More »
To lead the family in prayer and meditation. (Adapted and blended from several prayer books.) ———————————— In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray (together): Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy
3086) Family Prayers at a Deathbed Read More »
Geoffrey Canada is an African-American man who grew up on the streets of Bronx. Â He is the author of the book Reaching Up for Manhood: Â Transforming the Lives of Boys in America. Â In it, he shares some of his personal experiences and tells how he overcame many adverse circumstances. Â He gives great credit to his
3083) Leaning on Grandma’s Faith Read More »
   One day, many years ago, my grade school son said to me firmly, “Dad, I don’t want you talking about me in your sermons anymore.” My daughter quickly agreed with her brother. “Yeah, me neither,” she said, “I have friends in church. Don’t you remember what it was like when you were our
3079) Two Old Sermon Illustrations (1/2) Read More »
