By Bobby Coverston I have always struggled with some of the terms we throw around in the church. Terms like “fellowship,, “member,” and “spiritual family.” I struggle with them because they imply commitment that makes me a little uncomfortable. But I also...
By Marilyn Bazett-Jones In my NIV Bible, there are 686 references to love. Do you think that is a hint that love matters a lot to God? It impressed me to read that the Ten Commandments are all about relationship: four about God, six about relationship with others. Of course! It makes...
By Mike Vandermause It will be 44 years in May that I became part of God’s family. I grew up believing I had to earn God’s favor by doing good works and engaging in religious acts of piety. But as an eighth grader, in the spring of 1972, I learned for the first time that the...
By Troy Murphy It is in the dark that we recognize the light. Isaiah 8:17 (The Voice) says: As for me, I will wait for the Eternal, even though He feels absent, even though He has hidden His face from the family of Jacob. I will put all hope in Him. When I was young I went through...
By Kristin Ashley Stillness. It is so hard for me to just be still. I realize that my nature is to rush, move, and to battle distraction. I realize that in my busyness I rob myself of true and deep relationship with those around me. More importantly, I am convicted that I may rob myself...
By Tricia Murphy David’s Psalms were his ways of describing his friendship with God. Some of his words were longing, thirsting, hungering.What words would I...
By Cindy Vandermause James 2:23 states: “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” Do I believe as a Christ follower that I am God’s friend? Not just...
By Bobby Coverston In today’s reading Rick Warren powerfully reminds us that God wants all of us. Our heart, soul, mind and strength. Not 75%, not 90%, not even 99%. He wants all of us. Not to dominate, or control, but to engage and connect. Pastor...
By Marilyn Bazett-Jones When I hike a vigorous trail to enjoy the view or get outside early enough to see the sunrise, I think God smiles. When I admire the intricate details of a web, laced with dew, and otherwise wonder at God's creation, I know He smiles. I smile, too, because I know...
By Mike Vandermause Sadly, I used to believe that showing emotion was a sure sign of weakness. Staying cool, calm and collected was a badge of honor. Keeping a stiff upper lip was imperative. You could never let anyone see you sweat. I once believed that if I had struggles, I kept them...
