I was a young man, but I can still hear a simple statement that my Grandmother made years ago. She had her favorite radio preachers, and I suspect she heard one of them say it. (It was probably about the time when there was controversy over what some called “the new Bible,” or translation.) She said, “They don’t even have ‘Holy Bible’ on the cover anymore.” I realize that is…Keep Reading

“If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become weak as any other man.” Judges 16:17 Samson was a Nazirite, a person set apart to serve God in a special way. He was given special abilities for the task; in Samson’s case it was unusual strength. As a sign of his covenant, he was never to cut his hair. If he did it would break…Keep Reading

THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO WILL NOT SEE This statement is often traced to the Middle Ages, but its roots go much deeper: “Listen, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear” (Jer 5:21). When the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke to the people in parables, he replied, “because seeing they do not see, and hearing they…Keep Reading

“Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. If we are going to move forward in whatever way that God is leading, then we must forgive just as we have been forgiven by the Lord. Having our sin removed is…Keep Reading

“Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. If we are going to move forward in whatever way that God is leading, then we must forgive just as we have been forgiven by the Lord. Having our sin removed is…Keep Reading

Growing up, at least half my life was living on our farm up a hollow (Holler) 66 acres of which 33 was ours and at the very end of the hollow was 33 more which lay empty between the hills and groves of trees . . . With fruit trees lining the little creek running through the property. We had a huge family with kids running everywhere, very loud, with…Keep Reading

Paul spoke with approval of the faith that had been handed down to Timothy. But we must never assume that our only task is to be zealous for the traditions handed down by the fathers and to keep these traditions intact for the next generation. Our minds need to be open to the possibility that they may not have arrived at all the truth. The assumption that a particular person…Keep Reading

Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church Link to YouTube Video – Mark 8:22-26 and Mark 10:46-52 Pastor Will Shewey Has been a beautiful and heartwarming Saturday at Shades of Grace, a United Methodist congregation. Seventy five people worshipped with us, which is a new record post pandemic attendance. The Shades community choir sounded the best ever, imo. Landon leads with excellence and we are grateful to have…Keep Reading

One of our friends gave us a “Little Jesus” figurine. How very powerful that symbol is . . . When we know that He not only fills our hearts ♥️ but fills the whole world and universe. Do we even realize how big Jesus is? There is no where or nobody where, and within He can’t abide. Have you invited Jesus to go with you throughout today, throughout all your…Keep Reading

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 Why do we, the church of this age, not have the same passion as the saints of earlier times? When I was a young pastor there was an older saint who would ask me, “Brother Preacher, are you preaching to beat the devil?” When Jesus set His face toward the cross, he said, “Now shall…Keep Reading

Is it well with your Soul? . . . One of our friends used to ask. There’s a big difference in physical, mindful and soulful spiritual wellness. But helps greatly and give us more strength . . . when they are working together as a team. However, God wants our Soul to be “preparing and well” to receive the prepared spiritual health He has for us . . . The…Keep Reading

One of Nate’s and my biggest concerns is “What Is Our Witness”. Even while trying to be our best selves, because we are human, we don’t make the test. God understands that. The disciples in the New Testament were always trying to get it right . . . Because they were human, Jesus showed them the way. Daily, He brought about events to help them receive the Holy Spirit so…Keep Reading