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Scripture:  Isaiah 65:17-25 I know none of us were around to experience it, but the turn of the 20th century was an age of hope and optimism.  This was an era of technological breakthroughs.  Innovations in mass communication, electricity, mechanization, and transportation had all happened.   Humanity was on the cusp of figuring out the secrets … [Read more…]

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9 It has been said that the restaurant business is one of the hardest ones to succeed in. In fact, about 60% of new restaurants fail within the first year.  To succeed eateries often try to find ways to set themselves apart and offer something that cannot be found anywhere else.  The restaurant … [Read more…]

Scripture:  Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 One of my first jobs was making pizzas for Pizza Hut, and I did that for a few summers in a row.  One of the things I learned while in that position is that one of the jobs that I personally would not enjoy is being the manager of a restaurant.  … [Read more…]

One of the things that I quickly learned in my first semester of seminary is that there is an entire set of words unique to the seminary setting.  I was introduced to a lot of words that even if I knew them, I never used them in conversation.  Yet in seminary these words took on … [Read more…]

Scripture:  Luke 18:9-14 The story goes that there was a woman who taught Sunday school.   While you do not know this specific woman, you probably have met her type.   She was quick to look down on others.   She had mastered the art of saying “bless your heart” or “I’ll pray for you” as a way … [Read more…]

Scripture:  Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 This past week the Major League Baseball post-season started, and while this year more teams started in the playoffs the season is over for the vast majority of teams.  While some teams made a run for the playoffs, other teams ended the season with a losing record.   One of the things … [Read more…]

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-6 Thanks to the Internet, the ability to travel anywhere, and the prevalence of cell phones the world feels a lot smaller and more connected than it used to.   Which is why it amazes me that today there are still 7,151 active languages in use in the world today.   Of that large number … [Read more…]

This Fall our Wednesday night Bible study has been going through the book of Ephesians.  It has (so far) been a good study full of intentional study and deep questions.  One of the elements of Ephesians that really stands out are the prayers found in Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 3:14-21. These prayers for the Ephesians … [Read more…]

Scripture:  Mark 9:38-50 It is well known and established that I am a huge Star Wars fan, so it sometimes comes as a surprise to some that I am also a fairly big fan of Star Trek.   They are very different takes on science fiction, and I clearly think there is room to really enjoy … [Read more…]

Scripture: Luke 16:1-15 For Hollywood actors one of the biggest double edged swords is getting typecast.  An actor is typecast when they become known for a certain type of role so directors and producers only want to put the performer in that role.  On the one hand it can be good because producers will quickly … [Read more…]