Christian Do-Gooders “Justice delayed is justice denied” is an oft-quoted statement attributed to the English statesman William Gladstone. However, it is found in the Jewish Mishnah, the first written collection of the oral traditions of the rabbis, which was compiled approximately 200 years before Christ. Solomon said, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27, ESV)….Keep Reading

Remember to pray for the ones who pray for you. “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:12 Remember to pray for the ones who pray for you. Do we appreciate the people who call out…Keep Reading

Godly Parenting “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Prov 3:11-12, ESV). The writer of Hebrews quotes this proverb and elaborates: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been…Keep Reading

Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church Link to YouTube Video – Luke Chapter 10 From Pastor Will Shewey Saturday morning worship has ended for this weekend. Quinn sang several very meaningful songs including Landon on keyboard with one of them. Landon’s music spoke to the congregation as always. I saw several first time guests today and tried to personally greet each one. It was good to have…Keep Reading

Trusting God in the Little Things of Life “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV). Sometimes we don’t ask for God’s guidance because we are confident in our own understanding. Solomon did not say, “Trust God in the big things, but take care of the…Keep Reading

Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father.” Proverbs 27:10 Jesus told of a woman who had counted her treasures (ten coins) and discovered that one was missing. She diligently searched until she found it; and then she rejoiced with friends. He said that as they celebrated on earth, that there was also rejoicing in Heaven. We have a great treasure of friends and family here and…Keep Reading

The “If’s” and “Then’s” of Understanding the Bible “I’d give half my life to know the Scriptures like you do,” one man said to another. The other replied, “It takes more than that.” Many people have read the Bible for years but seem to never grasp the message, knowing only proof texts and favorite excerpts. There are three conditional clauses in Proverbs 2, which chart the path to knowing and…Keep Reading

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 It is Independence Day. I am not free because I am an American. I am free because Jesus released me from the bondage of a sinful heart. He opened the door that I could not. He says to the person who sleeps in the darkness, “Arise, Shine, the Light has come; and to the one…Keep Reading

Celebrating the Nation’s Birthday Today, we celebrate Independence Day, and it is fitting that we consider the words of Abraham Lincoln: Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest, with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not…Keep Reading

What’s In It for Me Probing the influence of money on people’s lives. One conclusion is that those who love wealth are less likely to be in a loving relationship, and tend to troubled by anxiety, constant worry, and loneliness. The Bible often extends the promise of rewards: Matthew 5:10-12: “Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad…..; and Matthew 6:18 “….thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” These are…Keep Reading

“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Acts 10:5 The Bible has an enormous collection of stories about the little but massive things that people did; and that God never forgot. They could never have imagined that their simple stories would be preserved in God’s Word. These people simply lived out their lives as everyday people who made the best of…Keep Reading

You Can’t Water from an Empty Well Kings and queens of all nations who heard of Solomon’s wisdom came to hear it firsthand. Solomon sat on an ivory throne (1 Kings 10:18), but his wisdom was not that of an ivory tower—an impractical, often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems (Webster). The Book of Proverbs begins: “These are the…Keep Reading