By the Rev. L. Douglas Stowe
When you sit back and think about it, all of us are managers. We spend our days making decisions about how we will use our abilities, time, and our resources. Of course, many of our decisions are framed in ways that can limit the scope of our choices. To see reality and to make decisions that are in harmony with God’s will for our lives is not a natural reaction to life’s situations.
By the Rev. David Conrad
Thanks is the most wonderful Christian reason for giving throughout the New Testament. For some, thanks is an automatic response to having received something. But when considering all the gifts God gives us, such as grace, forgiveness, love, hope and eternal life, is there any greater response than thanks?
By Duane Engelhardt
I believe that the church can be a relevant force in the life of our members by proclaiming a significantly broader interpretation of stewardship. This interpretation can be a meaningful model to vitalize the lives of our members and to grow in our faith. We are called to be good stewards of the Gospel and to proclaim the risen Christ.
By The Rev. Roy Roderick
Although followers of Christ are not to expect thanks for sharing the Good News entrusted to them, this does not mean that no gratitude is necessary in religion. For faith, ingratitude is a tragedy. As King Lear said in the day of his own tragedy, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” So many never even give to God a grace before a meal, but feel compelled to offer a tip to the server afterwards.
By the Rev. Kristi Beebe
Sermon on Luke 12:32-40: “God will lead us into new and exciting adventures filled with spiritual treasures.”
In our lives we want to desperately hold on to what we have — people, relationships, material possessions, power, prestige, and even money. And we don’t want anyone else to tell us what to do with any of them.
By Ronald Keener
The visible church is the church best known week by week. For some the visible church may be only the Sunday morning worship. For another, it may be church school because we have children, and morning worship. Another person may be involved in WELCA or a small group, and that is the church that is best known and visible to them. Then there is the invisible church, the many other programs that are available, but may not directly touch our own lives.
By The Rev. Hank Langknecht
Is anyone motivated to “respond to past blessings?” Of course. But I will bet that although our brains acknowledge that yes, our everything came as God’s gift; and yes, an offering response is seemly; our hearts are not brimming with joy and thanksgiving at the prospect.
‘IT’S PERSONAL’ BLOG OK, graduates, listen up! This is your big day at last. It’s time to get out there in the world and make a difference! Pursue your dreams! Shoot for the stars! Aim high! The world is your oyster! Set lofty goals! The sky’s the limit! Let your vision be your guide! But […]
‘IT’S PERSONAL’ BLOG
In an age of scintillating entertainment available 24/seven in smaller and ever-more-accessible gadgets, you can understand why worship seems boring to some. While worship can be fun, inspiring and enjoyable, its entertainment value is really beside the point.
This Lent has taught me that Martin Luther was correct: We have no free will. Our wills are thoroughly corrupted by sin and our selfish desires. I had given up sweets for Lent, but then someone gave me homemade candy. Free will? Not a chance!
