Some stuff sounds easy, but is difficult in real life. A couple of weeks ago we had our denomination’s geographic Annual Conference. Part of that includes a Retirement Service with commentary from those pastors being honored for their years of ministry. One shared this, and like the others in this series it’s not just for…

 Don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Boss, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Boss you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work…

In our Conference, which is our denominational geographic area, this is the last Sunday for many pastors in their churches. Some will retire July 1st. The majority of the others are being appointed to a new ministry on July 1st. Join me today in praying for churches and clergy facing these transitions. In fact, it’d…

From  yesterday — “This whole week, I’ve been reflecting on this idea of grace. The grace of the families who lost loved ones. The grace that Reverend Pinckney would preach about in his sermons. “The grace described in one of my favorite hymnals — the one we all know: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…

His first wife died in his arms. Rev. John shared in his retirement talk at Annual Conference two weeks ago that one man in particular ministered to him through the aftermath. The most striking time came when the two men were sitting on the parsonage porch. The pastor was a widower newly hollowed out.  The other listened…

“Study and meditate. Listen to God’s leading.” When she said that Annual Conference during our Retirement Service, some shifted uncomfortably. “Listen to God’s leading.” We’re people who like to get things done. We can plan and carry out a ton of ministries. But God doesn’t call us to be busy; God calls us to be…

“Study and meditate. Listen to God’s leading.” That’s what Rev. Linda coached us to do as she was retiring at our denominational area’s Annual Conference recently. Her second significant word scares some Christians away, but “meditate” is Scriptural. See what Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2 and Psalm 119:97 say for starters. It’s worth your time to do a…

Linda’s a long-time friend and colleague. She shared this recently at our Annual Conference upon the occasion of her retirement: “Study and meditate. Listen to God’s leading.” She’s just handed us three keys to a deeper discipleship for us as Christians. The first: Study. Don’t just skim Scripture; dig for treasure. Don’t wait for that elusive…

Don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Boss, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Boss you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work…

In light of this week’s shooting in Charleston, SC, today I’m interrupting my planned and promised Sunday series — Carolyn Winfrey Gillette wrote this hymn very early yesterday morning. Permission was given for it to be shared on Facebook and in other social media. Via Fran Ota “They Met to Read the Bible” to the tune…