Tax collectors during Jesus’ time are generally known for their corrupt practices and their relationship with the Roman empire. This is not the kind of person that one might naturally put...

Second Thessalonians 1 is prayer. There are three parts to the prayer—an introduction (vv. 1-2), thanksgiving (vv. 3-10), and intercession (vv. 11-12). Verses three and four introduce thanksgiving for each person...

Not every message is made for every season. Often our understandings of God and how God functions limit God’s speech to platitudes and orthodoxy. While some patterns of behavior persist in...

One of the most significant gifts we can receive is the mantle and spirit of those whom we admire. For me, it would be my grandmother. My grandmother was a strong...

I love the celebration of Holy Communion. It is one of my favorite moments in the life of the church. This holy meal, shared with the world, represents God’s redemptive love...

Each day, cell phone company commercials interrupt our television and radio programs to explain why their services are better than those of other carriers. There are many cell phone providers, and...

One night as my son was preparing to go to bed, I heard him listening to the children’s nursery rhyme “Rain, rain go away.” This song brought back many memories. As...

I acknowledged the grace of God awakening me to a call to ministry at an early age. My pastor at the time served an essential role in my discerning process. He...

There is nothing like sitting and listening to the seasoned (senior) persons in my community. They seem to have stories for every situation. They have stories that will make you laugh...

One of my most memorable experiences as a youth was running on my junior high track and field team. I never believed that I would love running. I had never considered...