read: “He will strike the violent with the rod of his mouth, and by the breath of his lips he will put an end to the wicked.” -Isaiah 11:4 reflect: The One we await will stop all the greed, corruption, and violence in our world. Now this is the Messiah I am waiting for! Years ago a revival…
read: “The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and awe of the Lord.” -Isaiah 11:2 reflect: Aren’t we always looking for new leaders? For less greedy politicians, and more inspirational pastors, and more humble heroes? Isaiah puts words to our yearning as he sounds the promise of a new…
Throughout Christian history, a theological struggle continues: Is the church to be pacifist? The overwhelming evidence in the New Testament tells us yes. Love your enemies, and turn the other cheek, our Lord Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. Overcome evil with good, and heap kindness upon the heads of your enemies, the…
Jesus said, “I have come so that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” -John 10:10 The Powerball is at a bajillion dollars now, and the math has been done that whoever wins will be able to buy everyone in the U.S. a Starbucks coffee. That’s a lot of money; Starbucks ain’t cheap. Lots…
“You shall be called by a new name.” -Isaiah 62:2 At our congregational meeting two Sundays ago, the congregation reached the culmination of our decision about a new name! We decided to affirm the Mission Team and General Board recommendation that we adopt the name “Connection Christian Church.” 91% approved. We give thanks to God…
Today is Pastor Dawn’s second anniversary of being cancer free! Yesterday she told her story at the Pink the Park breast cancer awareness event in Odessa. Here it is: Thank you for the invitation to share my breast cancer story with you. I always get my annual mammogram because of my cousin Sharon. Her…
O Lord, you teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. -Psalm 16:11 Sunday evening our congregation stepped together in one huge leap forward. We broke ground on our new facility, a renovation of a former medical building at 4241 Tanglewood Lane. My…
This morning I was standing in front of the daycare children, leading chapel. My assignment was to share the first story of Creation in Genesis, about how God created all of us and declared that all of creation was “good”. And of course, the only thing on my mind was the damage and flooding in…
Heaven’s stars and constellations won’t show their light. The sun will be dark when it rises; the moon will no longer shine. -Isaiah 13:10 The kids are ready with their backpacks, lunch sacks, cereal box viewers, and Moon Pies. Yes it’s the first day of school here but it’s also eclipse day everywhere! The…
The human said, “This one finally is bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh. She will be called a woman because from a man she was taken.” This is the reason that a man leaves his father and mother and embraces his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:23-224 This weekend we will…