Peace that passes all understanding to you, today. Another shooting in an elementary school in Connecticut this morning. While it wasn’t their school, I shudder at the thought of my daughter-in-law and 5 year old grandson having to deal with the aftermath of something that horrific. One of my best friend’s 17 year old step … More Advent 2012 – Peace in the Pain (by David Brown)
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, … More Advent 2012 – Weariness (by David Brown)
As I was reading scripture the other day I made 2 observations – 1) strong, emotional words are often used in scripture and 2) that I have almost completely removed strong emotions from my practice of Christianity and made it an intellectual pursuit. For as long as I can remember, certainly back to HS, I’ve … More Emotional Faith (by Mike Fox)
1 Sam 3:1-10 1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God … More Pursued by Grace (by Mike Fox)
Suzi shared this devotional at Keri’s baby shower a while back. Enjoy. Sometimes it would be nice to know the future. Some of the characters in the BIble were given a glimpse of it. In Genesis 15, God promises Abram a son. When none was forthcoming with his wife Sarai, he had a son with … More Raising Children, Honoring God (by Suzi Fox)
Recently I caught myself using those words for about the 100th time in a week. “If only I would’ve…”, “If only I wouldn’t have…”, “If only I had saved more money”, “If only I hadn’t eaten so much last night”. If only things were different. I think about the future in much the same manner. … More “If Only…” (by Mike Fox)
Luke 18:1-5 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him … More Sirens & Prayer (by Mike Fox)
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You … More Focused (by Mike Fox)
There is a lady at work who has a way with words. She has the unique talent of making everything she says seem like an accusation or a put-down. She is aggressive and often is involved in other people’s business. Most of my interactions with her are unpleasant. The big question for me is, “what … More Difficult People (by Mike Fox)
Here’s another reflection from Pastor David Brown. We have a gopher problem. I am not sure if it is one gopher or two or many. What i do know is that last fall mounds started appearing on the rear edge of our back yard. I haven’t found any new mounds this year, but i have … More The Gopher & the Pacifist (by David Brown)
James 2:14-18, 24 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well … More On the Sideline (by Mike Fox)
I’m pleased to introduce a new Daily Luminary, my friend Mike Fox, whose Bible reflections we’ll be featuring occasionally in the weeks ahead. Enjoy! And if you or somebody you know would like to share a written piece at Daily Illumination please send it my way. -JB Matt 25:37-40 37 “Then the righteous will answer … More Expectations (by Mike Fox)
Here’s a story from a pastor friend of mine. We both enjoy watching squirrels, though I can’t say I enjoy reading about raising chickens. Enjoy! I was sitting on the outdoor patio of a great little coffee shop in the Swede Hollow neighborhood of St Paul yesterday. I was waiting for a phone call from … More A Squirrel Tale (by David Brown)
I like to make fun of people who watch reality TV, but have found myself watching my own fair share. So, I appreciated being challenged by this is a post from my good friend Pastor David Brown. I admit it. I am a fan of three “reality” tv shows. As I watch them, I learn … More Redeeming Qualities of Reality TV Shows (David Brown)
Here’s another post from our friend Brandon Hull. You can read more of his stuff at Pushing Through Concrete. ———————————— I’m tired of feeling like I can’t succeed. I’m tired of thinking that I can’t be freed I’m constantly battered by regret and remorse and the negative emotions are controlling my course at what point … More “Bring It On” by Brandon Hull
We’re excited to bring you another poem from our friend Brandon Hull. Please go check his writings out at Pushing Through Concrete. i seem to be learning that living is dying. waking is sleeping and contentment is trying. i seem to be finding that winning is losing that seeing is blinding and healing is bruising. … More “Contrasts” by Brandon Hull
I want to introduce a talented young poet and friend, Brandon Hull. We’ll be sharing some of his writings on DI in the future, and I encourage you to check out more of his stuff at his blog Pushing Through Concrete. I must confess to an obsession, when pressed for an impression I’ll give most … More “Confessions” by Brandon Hull
Lindsay Swiggum, an 18-year old senior at Apple Valley High, is part of the youth group I pastor. She recently took 1st place honors in the state speech competition in the category of “Original Oratory.” The following is her original work that won her state. I am very impressed with Lindsay’s writing talent — and … More “To Quit or Not To Quit?” (Lindsay Swiggum)
Kingdom Harbor 