Reflections of a Retired Pastor

I like it when everything is going well. Primarily when I don’t feel fatigued from chemo and everything is working in my body the way I want it to, I get a cozy feeling, especially at night when I’m settled in for the night.  But, it’s not always that way. In fact, maybe at least fifty percent or more of the time it is not. Instead of warm fuzzies there is an element of anxiety and apprehension. Sometimes it affects sleep. Sometimes it’s worse and it can be disruptive.  Your situation most likely is different from mine. But you have experienced warm fuzzies and you probably have times of anxiety. In my opinion, we all struggle with one thing: contentment. Paul wrote this to the Philippians in chapter 4:11, “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” He goes on to say in verse 12, “…I have learned the SECRET of being content in every situation.” What is that “secret?” Have we learned it? Did Paul even tell us what it is? I think he did in verse 13, “I can do all...

What’s the difference between a Christ-follower and a non-believer? Is there a difference? Should there be?  This is not a new question about the way Christians live, but sadly it is an issue worth addressing. It is an issue that dates back to the first century church, but I am of the opinion that today’s Christians too often blend in with the world. Of course, we have to be in the world in order to be salt and light, but the world shouldn’t overcome us. The current climate of our society is dominated by social media, political division, entitlement, and intolerance. In my opinion, these are the areas where Christ-followers must be different.  In Galatians 5:25,  Paul writes, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Walking in the Spirit describes how a Christian should live their life. It means  to live a life that is guided by the Holy Spirit , and is characterized by living a life that is filled with humility, grace, and thankfulness to God...

 Preacher boys in college/seminary are prone to think they are more knowledgeable and wiser than they are. How do I know? I’ve been there. Maybe you too had thoughts like these: “Those denominational dinosaurs just don’t get it. They’re so old fashioned and irrelevant.” “If they would just open their eyes to the new way of doing things instead of holding things back, the church would be more effective.” Those wise patriarchs of the church or denominations are now enjoying their eternal reward. We young “know it alls” are now the dinosaurs in the eyes of those who replaced us.  Gone are the youthful pontifications of yesteryear. I’d  like to think that I’ve become smarter and wiser in 50+ years. I appreciate the patience, counsel, and investment those patriarchs made in my life, and hope that I might do the same for others. The biblical wisdom of Proverbs gives us our perspective: “A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise coun...