Category Archives: Minister’s Minute

Pastor’s writings that appeared in the Delta Optimist.

Forgiveness

Posted on January 13, 2013 | Comments Off on Forgiveness

My mind and heart has been heavy since learning about the recent shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, and there is much I could discuss, but that would take up more space than I have.

One question that has been asked, and is especially pertinent to me as a pastor, is, “What is God doing about all of this?” This is a very appropriate question and one that I also find myself asking in the wake of such tragedies.

Yes, even pastors ask themselves the tough questions, and it was in my preparation for our Christmas services that I once again found my answer.

The right question is, “What has God done about this?” Christmas is about the coming and birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. In my preparation, I find myself focusing only on this sole point, the birth, which is important, but is only the beginning of what the true gift of Christmas is about.

The deep meaning of Christmas is about the gift of the forgiveness of sins that we as mankind do every day. That forgiveness came to us in Jesus Christ and what He would eventually do for us on that Good Friday, three days before Easter.

What God did in response to our daily wrongful deeds was to say to us, I love you, and I will give you my Son to take your place, so that you may be forgiven. That is the meaning of Christmas.

Published in Delta Optimist December 28 2012

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Posted in Christmas, Minister's Minute

Staying Connected

Posted on October 5, 2012 | Comments Off on Staying Connected

Since as far back as history goes, communication has always been a key factor in any relationship.

When humanity began to move away from each other, this communication became harder and harder to conduct, so we developed many forms, messengers and letter writing amongst them.

But to be able to have an instant communication was difficult, which is what we longed for. Out of this the telephone was invented and when computers came around, there was instant messaging and email.

I write this because I recently upgraded my cell phone and I am amazed at the technology that is now out there.

We truly live in an amazing time as we’re able to Skype and Facetime on our phones. Our communication has never been better.

But there is still nothing like receiving a letter in my mailbox, perhaps on bought or homemade stationary.

The thought that someone took the time to think of what to say, put pen to paper and sent it from the post office always makes me feel special and closer to that individual.

God has given us His written Word in the Bible, and I still am amazed at how He communicated through it.

He had each word carefully placed and written down, and each time I sit and read through it, my relationship and that feeling of being special to God continues to grow.

Published in Delta Optimist Oct 5 2012

Photo courtesy of Flickr: gfpeck

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Posted in Minister's Minute