Monday was June 25th. To most, that date is just another date on the calendar. Nothing special. Nothing noteworthy. Just another day. But not to me. June 25th is my son’s birthday, and this year he would have been 17. If he would have lived. But he didn’t. So for 16 years now, June 25th […]
Leadership and productivity expert Michael Hyatt recommends having a workday startup ritual – a set of routines that tell your mind and body that it is time to work. The ritual doesn’t have to be long or complicated; it’s just something that helps you get into the flow of your workday. Some rituals include checking […]
I continue to be so grateful for what God is doing in our church family, so here’s a prayer of thanksgiving to start the week… Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and all whom you have made. We […]
A Memorial Day prayer written by Austin Fleming… You who created us, who sustain us, who call us to live in peace, hear our prayer this day. Hear our prayer for all who have died, whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone … Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of […]
The congregation for whom I preach recently launched a 5-year vision that is designed to position us to be more effective witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The most immediate piece of that plan is the renovation of our auditorium and the addition of another worship service time. This move will “force” each of […]
I’ve been coming to this place for 14 years now, […]
Dear God, There are moments in this life that take my breath away in awe, but there are also times when my breath is taken away because life has hit me so hard that it knocks the breath right out of me. This is one of those times, Lord. Not only has the breath been […]
Periodically, I do a “5 on Friday” post where I share five things that might be of interest to you. This week’s “5” comes from Chuck Lawless and is based on this Bible verse: “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Here are 5 ways to put that verse into action… Pray morning, noon, and night. […]
This prayer was written early Sunday morning as I searched for a word to share with my congregation regarding the events on Saturday in Charlottesville, VA. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Oh, Lord, as I sit here in the dark of my office reflecting on yet another ugly incident of blatant racism and hatred that has captured the attention […]
This month, Alameda’s elders and ministers are reading the New Testament letter of 1 John. In this letter, the apostle John is responding to a situation that is causing some Christians to leave the church and their faith in Christ. But John’s response is not an angry one; rather, it is encouraging and loving. The […]
