As we read about Jesus and His last week on earth (before ascending to heaven), it is important to realize He experienced all things to the extreme. On the evening of His last supper, He experienced humility to the extreme by washing the feet of his disciples. The next day, Jesus experienced suffering to the extreme when He was betrayed, mocked, beaten, nailed to a cross and pierced with a sword. And today, we celebrate the greatest extreme of all: Jesus rose up from the gr

As we enter the middle of Holy Week, our focus turns to the last hours of Jesus' life on earth; leading up to His suffering, crucifixion and death. Although it may be difficult, it is important that we, as Christians, allow our minds to take us to the darkest parts of Jesus' death. We should never just focus on the fact Christ died, but more importantly on how it happened. God ordained the horrific suffering of His only Son for us. He allowed Jesus to experience this leve

For many, Easter Sunday is one of (two) holidays they will attend church. Whether it was learned growing up or practiced as an adult, sanctuaries across the country will be filled. But what about the other 50 Sundays during the year? In the beginning, God created the entire world and all within it and it was very good (Genesis 1:31). How incredible to know that God did not have to create us, He wanted to. We were literally made for in person fellowship. There can be no

What does your life revolve around? As Christians, we need to lose our lives. When we deny ourselves by not focusing on our needs, it increases our ability to love others. Look what Jesus said in The Book of Luke (17:33), Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. Jesus was not necessarily referring to a physical death. In The Book of Matthew (19:29), He talks of forsaking things of this world. Things that we

For most of my adult life, I have been holding on too tight. Holding on to things that seem, now not to be so important: other people's opinions, accolades and commendations from jobs, past hurts, and the list goes on and on. And, just when I do let go, my hands find something else to latch on to. It is both never ending and never healthy. In striving for what the world has declared to me as being important, I have caused more stress for myself than Jesus ever intended me

In the Book of Matthew (chapter 23) we find Jesus admonishing the religious leaders of that time. The Pharisees and Sadducees are satisfied with only looking the part. Jesus refers to them as being spiritually blind. As He speaks to the church leaders, Jesus uses the example of a bowl and cup that look clean or spotless on the outside. But the inside is much different. Their inside is filthy, only appearing to be clean. It is similar to looking for a new home when the

The Bible speaks in detail about who we will be in heaven. Our earthly bodies are patterned after that of the first man (Adam); while our heavenly bodies will resemble the resurrected body of Jesus. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in two of his letter to churches. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47). Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working

As we look forward to celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus, it is important to understand the events that transpired. Certainly, we can see clearly that prophecy was fulfilled with Jesus' crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension to sit at the right hand of the Father. But within each of these crucial aspects of our faith, it is important to dig deeper to better understand not only what Jesus did, but why. For instance, the shedding of His blood on the cros

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope ( Jeremiah 29:11). God’s plan for us is very simple. We sometimes over complicate things when we pick and choose only parts of His plan. We need to remind ourselves all of God’s plan fits together just like His word (Bible). Scores of people today, even in many of our churches, walk around aimless. They work their jobs and take care of their fam

Our days are filled with tasks, appointments, schedules and calendars.  We need reminder notes to remind us not to forget and passwords (that we forget) to log into our own information.  As I continue this journey of life, I have come to the conclusion I suffer from memory overload more than memory loss .  Our brains were created with a capacity and I feel mine has been reached!  Still, it is incredible the memories of life I remember. Thoughts of a childhood filled with lov

Webster’s Dictionary defines confidence as: firm belief or trust, boldness to have assurance. As Christians, we have confidence in a much greater Authority. This assurance of God being in control allows us to enjoy prosperous times and endure challenging moments. A boldness that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 encourages us with these words, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. In the Book of

Growing up, I can remember my mom reminding me to constantly "stand up straight". I am sure she was worried about my posture more than anything. But I think there was (and is) more to it than that. As a child, my parents also encouraged me to be proud of who I was. Not in a conceited way, but more so to never hang my head or be ashamed of my last name and whose I was. And just like someone with bad posture, the weight of the world can often times feel like we are buckling

Used in more marriage ceremonies and anniversary celebrations, the thirteenth chapter in Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth is considered by many to be the "love" chapter in the Bible. In this passage, Paul speaks to the power, place and purpose of love. As Christians, we have its' preeminence through the power of the Holy Spirit. Love can and has truly conquered all. The love of God to create us and the love of Jesus to save us. However, unlike the world, we

Throughout the Bible, believers are referred to as a peculiar people. In Deuteronomy (14:2), Moses says the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself . 1 Peter 2:9 tells us, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light". To  the world, Christians may seem different or strange. And that is exactly what we s

As a pastor, part of my responsibility is to make sure I am connected with members of our congregation. This can be accomplished through prayer, fellowship, listening and the willingness to allow Christ to speak to my mind and heart. The Bible speaks very clearly about the expectations God has for those He calls to preach His Word and shepherd His people. I can tell you that the Holy Spirit's presence is strong in our church, but so is the devil. That may offend or confus

For many of us, it has been and continues to be extremely cold. The large snow that fell almost two weeks ago is still very much present. While recognizing the beauty and need for snow as a part of God's creation, I must confess I am beyond ready for it to go away. While we look forward to warmer temperatures, I am sure that the high humidity of summer may have some of us wishing otherwise. Perhaps we need a change in climate? Many times, our faith can be like a thermomete

All of us, from time to time, have experienced a bad day. Whether it was full of frustrations, stress, pain or all three, each of us have wondered if that particular day was ever going to end. It is a natural reaction to focus on the storms of life when we are in the middle of them. And just like an actual (weather) storm, it is hard to see past the day(s) that are filled with dark skies. I write this to you while experiencing a day such as this. Today, has seemed like a

The belief, practice and interpretation of baptism have been, at times, a source of confusion, disagreement and even separation from the church for many. As with any other subject, we should always look to God's Word for clarity. Before we dive in (no pun intended), let us first differentiate between the act of being baptized and the baptism of a believer by and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us in the Book of Acts (1:5) John truly baptized with water; but ye shall b

Most of us would agree our world is in need of some serious help. Trials, tribulations, and suffering all seem to be on the rise. It can quickly become overwhelming when we try to incorporate all the pain we see and feel into our prayer life. At times, it can almost seem hopeless. Many, who set out with good intentions, can ultimately feel like what is even the point of trying to help. Those frustrations grow when the help we do offer to those in need seems to fall on dea

Over the holidays, you may have found yourself gathered with friends and family around a large table. Or, as my family does several small tables pushed together! Regardless of the arrangement(s), it is always an interesting dynamic finding your seat. Whether it is assigned seating or a free-for-all, a place at the (family) table says, you belong. For many families, it is understood where you are supposed to sit; maybe it is at the head of the table, closest to the kitchen