Strengthening Faith, Love, and Hope
During a bubonic plague outbreak in 1527, the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther gave this pastoral advice: "I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated … Continue reading In Times Like These…
“Blessed are the agnostics. Blessed are they who doubt. Blessed are those who have nothing to offer. Blessed are the preschoolers, who cut in line at communion. Blessed are the poor in spirit. You are of heaven and Jesus blesses you. Blessed are those whom no else notices. The kids who sit alone at … Continue reading Blessed are the overlooked
Lost causes. Do you know any? I am sure you do. In fact, if you were to pause right now and think about the ministers that you have known, you could probably identify several that have gotten shipwrecked in their ministries, their personal lives, and even their faith. Some of them have made varying levels … Continue reading Lost causes (in ministry)
A few weeks ago at Grace, Jessica shared a quote on the definition and nature of comfort. The words were powerful and worth repeating here. “Contrary to what a lot of people believe, or hope, comfort doesn’t take the pain away. Comfort slides in beside the pain, pulling up a chair so that we have … Continue reading Jessica’s definition of comfort
In the end it’s all about the “one.” Today will be my last official Hole in our Gospel posting, and I think the most appropriate way to end is with Richard Stearns’ own words. He writes: “In the end God works in our world one person at a time. The hungry are fed, the thirsty … Continue reading The end and the beginning
