Blog – Page 9 – The Prodigal One

Covered

January 24, 2021
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A couple years ago after substitute preaching, I had the opportunity to speak to a member of the congregation who had terminal cancer. He may have been dying physically but spiritually he was more alive than most people I had ever met. His light shined because he knew his sins were covered and soon, he would see Jesus face to face. The gentleman explained how after his chemotherapy he would be worn out and cold and lie in his bed for hours. He used the time to commune with God. He said, “As I spoke to the Lord, his radiance covered me, and I was no longer cold.” A few …..

Thank You 2020

January 10, 2021
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I would like to thank the Pastors at E.P. 1st UMC., Epworth UMC, Ottawa 1st UMC Bonfield UMC, Grand Prairie UMC, Bonfield 1st, Bradford UMC and Covell Community Church for giving me the opportunity to substitute preach last year. Thanks also to Mike Flynn for the invitation to be the keynote speaker at the “Man in the Mirror” conference and Chaplain Skip Meister for opportunities to share the “Best News Ever” with the men and women at the Peoria County Jail. May we look to Apostle Paul as we move into a New Year, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for …..

I Asked

January 3, 2021
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Jesus said, “ask and it will be given to you.” Through this Pandemic (like the unknown author of this poem) you may have thought you lost it all, but you really gained everything in return. “I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.” “I asked for health, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.” “I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty, that I might be wise.” “I asked for power, that I might have the praise of others, I was given weakness, that I …..

Rest

December 27, 2020
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As we come to the close of 2020 most are feeling weary and could use a little rest. Jesus offered us the way out of weary when He said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” Accept His invitation and give Jesus the weight, He can handle it you can’t. As we turned to 2021 may we remember the encouraging words Moses, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Trust God to work your exhausting situation and joyfully receive His soul filling …..

Not Alone

December 20, 2020
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Covid-19 restrictions will separate many from their families and leave some by themselves this Christmas. If you are a Christian, you may be by yourself, but you are never alone. The Apostle Paul assures us,” That neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Don’t let the Grinch steal your Christmas joy. Celebrate the birth of Jesus: Immanuel, God with us and the truth that nothing (including Covid) can separate us from His love.