The Pilgrims came to America in search of religious freedom during the reign of King James I of England. Most were also known as “Puritans” because they wanted the Church of England to be…
Why I Thank God for my Church
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Pastor’s Blog
Do Guardian Angels Exist?
In 2001, my wife and I could have died. Well, we may never know for sure, but the odds were high. Here’s the story… As newlyweds, we delivered newspapers during our senior year of college. Each morning at 3 AM…
3 Tips to Thrive in This Political Season
The week ahead may be the most stressful season—politically speaking—that most of us have ever seen. I can’t recall an election in my lifetime with more anxiety on both sides of the aisle. The American Psychological Association recently posted…
Jesus Gets You. He Understands.
Jesus gets you. He understands you. He sympathizes with you. In Hebrews 4:15, the author writes, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are…
8 Reasons to Believe the Bible
Whether or not you’ve ever read any portion of it, you’ve likely heard of the Bible. Washington, D.C. tourists are invited into The Museum of the Bible. America has a Bible belt that supposedly holds up our “religious pants.” In the Book of Eli, Denzel Washington journeys…
6 Pro Tips for Your News
Where do you primarily get your news? Are you a TV news connoisseur? A Gazette subscriber? More of a Twitter or Facebook news aficionado? A Google News enthusiast? Talk radio devotee? Whatever the source, most of our news outlets…
8 Tips for Social Media
Which platform do you use most… Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? Snapshot? TikTok? Myspace? If you picked Myspace, I want to meet you. You’re likely the most faithful person on the planet! How can we best leverage…
4 Descriptions of a Hero-Maker
Whose face comes to mind when you hear the word hero? Maybe a dad, a mom, a grandparent, a veteran, a civil rights advocate, or a first-responder? Now, envision a particular hero from a book or movie…
Why are the Ten Commandments So Relevant?
Would you consider the following advice to be applicable today? “While a loving heart maintains a family, a hateful heart destroys a family.” “Never make a big decision while drinking beer.” This counsel dates back nearly…
5 Questions to Ask Ourselves in a Crisis
As we wade through the quagmire of our current crisis, you likely have many questions. I do. Some questions are benign. Other inquiries are serious but equally irrelevant. In the quiet moments of midnight, we’re sobered by more haunting questions…
An Open Letter to my Wife on our 20th Wedding Anniversary
To my Sarah Elizabeth, Thank you for the last 20 years of being my wife, and for the last 24 years of your friendship. From our first date at Waves of Fun till now… you’ve made life’s journey exceedingly more meaningful, colorful, flavorful, and fun…
A Dad’s Highest Calling
Having just celebrated Father’s Day with our three children, I’m intrigued by the question… “What is a dad’s highest calling?” Is it to make sure my children make straight As? To train them to be star athletes in multiple sports at once? To send them to…
If You Were God…?
What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made? Does it haunt you? Has it permanently taken up residence in your heart, propping its feet up on the couch of your soul and replaying itself…
How Do You Feel About Your Greatest Mistakes?
What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made? Does it haunt you? Has it permanently taken up residence in your heart, propping its feet up on the couch of your soul and replaying itself…
Why Does God Allow Us to Go Through Storms?
The following story is based on true events found in the Bible’s New Testament. (Mark 6:45-53) “If a sunny day doesn’t work, then let’s try a storm.” The respected rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth, whispered…
What is Faith? A True Story
The following story is based on true events found in the Bible’s New Testament. (Mark 5:21-43) Almost exactly 1,990 years ago, the respected Rabbi—Jesus of Nazareth—lands on the shores of Capernaum…
4 Facts about Fear
Several weeks ago, I had an unusual encounter with fear. Like a wrong turn into a dark alley, life’s GPS seemed to unexpectedly glitch and brought me face to face with this formidable foe…
FOMO: How to Overcome the Fear of Missing Out
“Are they really at the beach together again?” “Why do they never tag me in their Snapchat pics?” “Why wasn’t I invited to the concert when it looks like everyone else in the world was there?” Those are just a few statements that flow from the watershed of FOMO…
Why Celebrate Good Friday? 3 Reasons
There will never be a lack of holidays to celebrate. Hallmark will make sure of it. Currently, the most popular holidays to commemorate in the U.S. are Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Father’s Day…
One Truth that Helps Suffering Make Sense
“Why????” You shout that one-word question into the cold night sky. You mutter it under your breath. You ask it in your prayers and with any friends or family you might be lucky enough see during his time of quarantine and global pandemic. Why am I: losing my job, receiving a salary-cut…
5 Ways to Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic
The global response to the Coronavirus Pandemic has been as varied as the millions of virus-types in the world today. Some cope by sharing memes, such as the hypothetical episode of The Office where: Michael ignores…
5 Ways to NOT Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Last week was one for the history books. Our children will remember the Coronavirus Pandemic like many of us remember September 11, 2001. Toss in a crushing blow to the stock market, Friday the 13th, a full moon, the beginning of…
6 Christmas Myths of the Magi
The Christmas story is a true story. History, logic, fulfilled prophecy, and the spiritual experience of changed lives have left behind a smoking gun. However, not everything we’ve been told about the Christmas story is true. In particular, here are…
For Men Only: 9 Ways to Be an Unsung Hero
History is filled with unsung heroes. From police men and women, to firefighters, to EMS personnel, to members of our military, to stay-at-home moms. So, how can we—as men—become unsung heroes to the people we love…
5 Ways to Make Thanksgiving More Meaningful
Could your Thanksgiving use more spice? I’m not referring to the turkey, stuffing, gravy, cornbread, or pumpkin pie—unless, of course, any of those tastes significantly bland. (In that case, yes, add some spice!) But I am curious… Do you wish…
Why Support Adoption in Your Community? 4 Reasons
November is National Adoption month, so many of my friends are celebrating the occasion and using it to raise awareness. My wife and I haven’t yet adopted a child, but–more than ever–we want to support…
4 Tips for Raising Your Child
With great pomp and circumstance that little bundle of joy (and tax deduction!) is born into your world. Whether you brought your baby home from the hospital or adopted him or her sometime later, the question…
Why Do Bad Things Happen? 7 Answers
Why cancer? Why tsunamis? Why mass shootings? Why do bad things happen in the world? The answers are as multifaceted as the questions…
You’re More Known Than You Think
If you could trade places with someone famous, who would you pick? Maybe you’d love to be known as the world’s greatest basketball player or business mogul. Perhaps you’d trade…
What’s Their Secret?
Do you know two Christians who always seem to get along? I’ve met plenty who couldn’t, and you probably have as well. (Depending on the day, I sometimes…