As many of you know, I’ve been crawling my way through the book of Psalms for over a year, using it as a pattern for prayer in my morning devotions. This journey began because my prayer life was really flat. I found myself repeating the same basic words over and over again, caught in a loop of asking God for things. It was dull and lifeless. Jesus said in Matthew 6:7 that when we pray, we shouldn’t “keep on babbling…
“So, do you think that will work?” Pam asked. I was nestled comfortably in my favorite reclining sofa, with the dog snoozing beside me. My laptop was open, iced coffee in hand, and I was deeply engrossed in an online article from the New York Times. She stood about 10 feet away, holding a kitchen knife. I snapped out of my digital trance. “Ummm…,” I stalled. I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. Our house has an…
A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3 (NIV) I’ve been wrestling with a bad habit. I’m getting much better, but it still surfaces from time to time. Perhaps you can relate. When I’m alone, frustrated, and something goes wrong, I express my frustration with angry retorts. For example, if I’m late for an elder meeting at the church and I’ve carelessly misplaced my keys, I’ll complain out loud, “COME ON…!!” Or,…
The other day, the windshield wiper fluid indicator on my Toyota RAV4 lit up. The reservoir was nearly empty. Now, I may not know a whole lot about cars, and I might not wash and vacuum mine as often as I should. But one thing I’m particular about is fluid levels. Maybe it’s because my RAV is approaching the end of its useful life and burns oil like a wildfire, but I am especially attentive to my fluid levels. So,…
I got cussed out last week. I know! I still can’t believe it. Here’s what happened. It’s a bit of a story, so hang with me. *********** Last Wednesday I was driving back to the church after going out for coffee with Dan Wallace. It was Dan’s birthday and I had just dropped him off at his house after a large, iced caramel macchiato from Dunkin’ and a walk in a local park. I’ve been to Dan’s house several times…
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…