A Few Thoughts...

Lent begins this Wednesday, and I am eager for the journey ahead. Our Lenten sermon series,   Iconic , invites us to explore stories and teachings of Jesus that have become deeply embedded in our culture. This week, we begin with the parable of the   Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) —Jesus’ response to the question,   “Who is our neighbor?” This question remains just as relevant today. Jesus’ answer was as surprising then as it is now: the hero of the story—the Samaritan—was the least expected to stop and help. Cultural biases and stigmas of the time made this story jarring. And yet, Jesus doesn’t simply answer the question outright; instead, Jesus poses one of his own:   “Which of these was a neighbor to the man?”   The lawyer who initially asked the question is confronted with his own biases and is forced to acknowledge the shocking conclusion:   “The one who showed mercy.”  Jesus then commands,   “Go and do likewise.”   Too often, devotional...

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions, tending to your daily tasks while missing out on something greater? Perhaps you've heard the call to step out in faith but hesitated, thinking, "What difference can I really make?" If so, you're not alone. This sentiment echoes the experience of Simon Peter, a fisherman whose encounter with Jesus would change the course of his life – and offers profound lessons for us today. Picture this: A crowded shoreline, people pressing in to hear a teacher speak. The teacher, needing space, borrows a fisherman's boat to address the masses. After finishing his lesson, he turns to the boat's owner, Simon, with an unexpected request: "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Now, Simon and his crew had been fishing all night without success. They were tired, frustrated, and probably eager to call it a day. Simon's initial response is one we might relate to: skepticism tinged...

By now, you have probably seen reporting on A.I. (Artificial Intelligence).  The format of the reports are almost humorously consistent.  There are a few moments of explanation on how computing reached this point.  There is a mention of A.I. being the quickest technology to reach one hundred million users. Then, the report often concludes with the pundit explaining that a portion or all of the report was written by A.I.  So, before I proceed. No, this blog was not written by A.I. Viewing these developments with some level of skepticism, I thought I would test A.I. out myself.  I had worked as a UNIX architect for almost a decade before responding to my call into ordained ministry. I still enjoy using technology to accomplish tasks.  Recently, I attended a Board of Ordained Ministry meeting where a few of my colleagues posited that A.I. performed better on some of the commissioning questions than several of the candidates.  Could this be right?  So...

A Bible, a smile, and a prayer of hope guide the chaplains of Maua Methodist Hospital. Rev. Solomon and Rev. Joyce are amazing in their love and care for those they serve. Their daily challenge is complex. How do you share the love of God with the suffering? And how do you share the love of God with the staff ministering to these needs? How do you faithfully serve the administration, doctors, nurses, staff, and patients all concurrently?    I was blessed to walk with Rev. Solomon through his day on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.  Although we worked until the late afternoon, what I share below all occurred before 10 a.m.  The experience we shared blessed me abundantly with reminders from a Bible, a smile, and a prayer of hope. The morning began early. As we arrived at the chapel around 7:15 a.m., I noticed Rev. Solomon and Rev. Joyce rearranging and wiping down the pews. They do not simply proclaim; they serve. Like so many pastors I know in so many settings throughout the wo...

It began with a testimony.   Speaking with a friend about a dozen other shared items we were working on for the church.   They took a moment to share about something special to them.   This friend had just finished a virtual half-marathon over the weekend.   Due to the pandemic, runners in Marathons run on their own and then report their times in.   As he shared this accomplishment there was joy in his voice not just of his own, but his son had also ran and completed the whole marathon.   It has been a twenty-two year tradition with this family of Marathon runners.   It would be an understatement to describe how impressed I was by the casual intentionality of the statement.  There was no judgement in my friend’s voice.   There was no hint of “look at what I’ve done.”   Only a testimony of what this annual discipline had brought in his life and family.   This morning, as I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.  I knew that ...

SGN is a show that has gone viral on YouTube.  With star power and home production quality, John Krasinski of “The Office” and "Jack Ryan" fame presents a simple look at various stories of hope during the current pandemic.  Bring plenty of tissues to watch these fifteen minute episodes.  Three have been posted at the writing of this blog.  The heart warming good stories are met with acts of kindness by persons doing something to make a difference during this time of social distancing. As we are now in the Easter season, people often forget the simplest truth of Easter.  It was good news!  The simplicity of God’s love for the world can sometimes get lost in the pageantry of Easter.  But, when you look closely the word gospel even translates to mean good news.  Good news is something that we continue to desperately need in times that are often frustrating and full of despair.  In the gospel, the good news of Jesus’ resurrection entered into the...