Matthew 10: 40-42 Jesus said this morning in our text, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.” Earlier this week, I read this little story, and it seemed to be appropriate. A teenage girl brought her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. They were appalled by his appearance: leather jacket, tattoos, and multiple piercings. Later, the…
Tag: UMC
What Things?
Luke 24: 13-35 Two brothers grew up in the country. One day one of them announced he was going to the big city to seek his fortune. The other one said he’d stay home, look after the farm and their parents. The brother in the city became a salesman, had great success, and eventually became…
From One Mountain to the Next
Matthew 17: 1-9 A teenage girl nervously took the wheel for her first driving lesson. As she was pulling out of the parking lot, the instructor said, Turn left here, and don’t forget to let the people behind you know what you’re doing.” The young girl immediately turned to the students sitting in the backseat…
It’s From God
Matthew 1: 18-25 A recurring Bible verse I’ve employed the last couple Sundays is Jeremiah 29: 11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Promises are given to specific individuals in the…
Can I Be Sure?
Luke 1: 5-25 A five-year-old daughter looked at a calendar and asked, “How many be-good days ’til Christmas?” She made promises undoubtedly to be good in those days leading to Christmas. In these three Sundays leading to Christmas, I’ll share messages about three of the characters in the birth story of Jesus. God made promises…
Rest A While
Mark 6: 30-34 “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while. (6:31a)” Jesus intended they might all get away and rest, get a little vacation. Little Byron asked his mother, “Why does the minister get a whole month’s vacation in the summer?” “Well, son,” answered the mother, “if he’s a…
Psalm 102 in The Message 