One of the things I seriously enjoy in pastoral ministry is hospital visitation. I know that’s weird. Most people do all they can to avoid hospitals and I get that. But I’ve found that many conversations of eternal significance occur when you’re sitting next to someone in the hospital. In 30 years of ministry, I’ve never had anyone refuse prayer while in the hospital. I suppose some hard-core atheists might do so, but generally I’ve found that even people who…
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…. Colossians 3:23 This past Sunday I preached a sermon on doing everything to the glory of God. And I have to say, it’s having an impact… on me. Hopefully all my messages are like that. I never want to be unchanged by a sermon. And…
Two weeks ago, I wrote a devotional about the significance of Ascension Day- the celebration of Jesus returning to heaven 40 days after his resurrection (Acts 1:3). Well, this past Sunday the Christian church celebrated Pentecost- the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers. And like Ascension Day, the Lancaster County plain community closed their businesses and canceled school. Pam and I drove down to Quarryville on Monday and there were so many gray and black buggies on…
A devotional by Carol Musser, LMFT. Springtime brings so much joy! The warm sunshine, blue skies, and new growth as the trees and lawns begin to turn green! Each spring I enjoy walking around my flower beds to check on my perennials as they peek through the earth, and the new colorful annuals I just planted to make sure they are watered. My red knock-out roses are one of my favorites. One morning recently, I noticed something was different. My…
“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” Mark 16:19 Today is Ascension Day and that’s a big deal in Lancaster County. Much of the plain community takes the day off to celebrate 40 days after Easter, commemorating when Jesus ascended back to heaven. I remember one bright spring day, when I first moved here, needing a hose clamp for a much-needed home repair. I…
“LORD teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1 A devotional by Mari Madonna For close to 30 years, I have been involved with the National Day of Prayer. It’s one day I look forward to with great excitement. To know that Christians come together everywhere in our country to pray and let their voices unite before the LORD is amazing to me. We are blessed to be able to pray EVERYWHERE- on the phone, publicly, privately, in homes, churches and walking…
Late last year noted pastor, Thom Rainer came out with a book entitled, “When the People Pray: An Invitation to Pray for Your Pastor and Revive Your Church.” I haven’t actually read the book (yet), but I do remember listening to a podcast interview with the author. He described experiencing a time of depletion and discouragement in his spiritual life which culminated in him asking his congregation for prayer support right from the pulpit. The book, then, was an outflow…
A devotional by Pam Benedict. For months, millions of people prepared. They bought specialty items from grocery stores, analyzed weather forecasts, and planned travel routes with Google maps. They read articles, listened to podcasts, and tuned into science programs. Those far away bought airline tickets and booked Airbnb’s, so they could be closer. Schools canceled classes, businesses closed early, and adults took the day off. In a time characterized by polarizing opinions, this was something everyone could agree on… this…
22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27 We’re caught in another rainy pattern this week, aren’t we? It seems like the rain will never stop. We’ve had over 2…
You know what an oxymoron is, right? Jumbo shrimp Open secret Deafening silence An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines words with opposing meanings. We use them all the time in casual conversation. Here are a few more. Clearly confused Pretty Ugly Government efficiency (just kidding on that last one) The Bible’s a treasure trove of similar wordplays and paradoxes. A few weeks ago, one of our elders, Larry Fox shared one at our Wednesday night prayer group….