BLOG––Encouraged by Faith

Although we are sometimes overwhelmed by our own sense of emptiness, we have access to the power of him who overwhelmed death, emptying the grave. Resurrection Sunday has come and gone again, but I still celebrate Easter. This rising is a glorious symbol of victory over worldly powers that...

Even with plenty of food in my pantry and no pressing physical needs worrying me, the past couple of weeks have been difficult for me emotionally. I suspect that it is the same for many of you. Do you feel like quitting sometimes? It takes an entire lifetime to be formed into Christ’s...

I fret like a child when things are not going my way; (Psalm 37:1). I whimper and whine in my discomfort. I complain and cry out with indignation. Why me, O Lord? This present crisis in my life is exactly that sort of time. Enforced separation from friends and family, canceled or postponed...

With the current coronavirus concerns, we are meeting in house assemblies until further notice.  Changing the forum for our public worship can be enlightening, but also challenging!  We experience that church is the people––where before we only knew it.  But having...

A few weeks ago, right after very difficult cancer surgery, I had a dream that has not faded and that has become more and more meaningful as the treatments continue. In a fever-sick dream, I was walking to the doctor’s office and I didn’t want to go. I was very weak and sick. It was...

How to pray for self, for others, for an end, for God’s will, for peace and acceptance of God’s purpose in suffering and trouble, acknowledging that his wrath is just, but his mercy is sure and his promises do not fail. At this very moment, plagues almost biblical in their magnitude...

This week begins the liturgical season of Lent. It is a contemplative time of waiting for Easter, the glorious Sunday of Jesus’ resurrection. Although our group does not observe strict Lenten practices, there are benefits to preparing our minds and hearts toward God at this time. It can be...

Whose word defines me? Words impact our lives in a relentless barrage. I must admit I let this encroachment happen. From early in the morning until late at night, there is hardly a moment of peace. Even when no one else is speaking, my own words will demand my attention. Many years ago, the...

I watched comedian Josh Johnson on YouTube the other day. He said, “As a black guy from the South, I don’t think you’re racist until you attend your second Klan meeting.” He told a story about a friend who got invited to a backyard barbecue, like you do in the South. They...

It’s a new decade.  It’s hard to believe.  It seemed so far away a few years ago. The New Year is prime time to make resolutions.  Most are the same year after year.  Lose weight, get in shape, be more organized, spend less and save more, get out of debt. The...