The Beatitudes are one of the best-known teachings of Jesus. On one hand I think that is a very good thing; obviously these are crucial statements. BUT the problem of being so familiar with these words is that they often fall on deaf ears. One of Kevin’s mom’s favorite anecdotes kind of gets at the […]
Transformed Together
Here we are at the fourth Sunday of Advent. The waiting and anticipation, the quietness and candle-lighting is leading up to the moment of the Nativity. On Christmas Eve we will gather to “let every heart prepare him room!” All of our songs and Scriptures and candles will help us hold vigil outside of Mary’s […]
When to Break the Rules
So here’s the thing about God: God doesn’t come up with a list of rules for the fun of it. God is not a tyrant or task-master. He’s not some sort game-master dictating rules for his personal enjoyment. God desires to be with us and to invite us to partner with Him in building His […]
Fully You
One of my favorite parts of being a pastor is observing your lives and noticing how God is changing you. I know…you’re probably thinking, “Sure Pastor Mel, you think I’m becoming more loving, but you don’t know the whole story. You don’t know what it’s like at home or at work.” And you’re right. I […]
Reflect + Reset
I love spending time reflecting on what God has been doing in my ordinary life. Writing helps me process what’s going on in and around me. In putting my thoughts into words, I can pause to observe the seemingly-hidden work of God and begin to notice what kind of fruit my life is producing. It’s […]
God Loves to Throw Parties
Most of us don’t set out each day with “ill intentions.” We certainly don’t intend to harm other people and we’re not intentionally trying to walk a few steps farther away from Jesus. But the thing of it is, we’re actually really skilled at managing our image so it appears we’re doing just fine. In […]
Holding Life Loosely
Every one of us has something we care deeply about. There are people in your life you can’t imagine living without, and plans we’re passionate about. Maybe you’re planning for the future and investing a lot of time and effort in orchestrating your dreams. Maybe you have a hobby, a craft, or a sport you […]
Why we do church
Following Jesus is about so much more than checking a “Christian” box on a survey. It’s even more than about going to church on Sunday (*gasp*). I believe following Jesus means living like Jesus: seeking to be prayer-filled, rooted in Scripture, holy in lifestyle, Spirit-empowered, and social-justice oriented in the midst of living out our […]
Step One is Rough
Being a Christian is about more than checking a religion box on a survey. Going to church is about more than the style of music or the brilliance of the pastor or the roast of the coffee. To be a Christian is to literally follow Christ, and in so doing our lives look more and […]
Being Sober-Minded
Years ago I sat in a circle of people whom I had just met a few days before. We were classmates, a cohort to journey together through the next few semesters of grad school. At the close of our weeklong residency, someone had suggested we take time to tell each other the truth, to tell […]