Nate and I were sitting eating dinner together when he heard a noise coming from one of our air purifiers. He says, “Do you hear that?” Even though we are maties, we hear things differently. When he was in the marines, he fired 155 mm, M109 Howitzers. There weren’t the ear protections then that there is now. So it makes his hearing very different. He can’t hear things that I…Keep Reading

“But Moses did not give any wagons to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.” Numbers 7:9 Perhaps this seems unfair. “Why did they have to walk and carry the burden when the rest got wagons?” The people understood that they had the responsibility and privilege of caring for what was near to the heart of God. Those items…Keep Reading

God is not limited; we are. Sometimes we pray from the standpoint of our own limitations. Can we think big enough? Probably not. However, when we pray for someone, pray for their soul, as well as the physical, pray for their friends and relatives, and all their concerns. We can’t see, nor can we hear what goes on in the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of others. God Can. Prayers…Keep Reading

Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion. Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave and eats a bread it does not harvest. Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful. Pity a nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening. Pity the nation that raises not its voice…Keep Reading

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 Our hummingbirds keep looking in our window while we have morning coffee. I wonder if they are saying “so long, farewell.” They have such a long trip ahead of them. I keep asking “how do you…Keep Reading

G-U-I-L-T Satan doesn’t mind our feeling guilty so long as we don’t bring our guilt to the throne of mercy. The devil doesn’t mind—in fact, he delights in—our self-flagellation as a substitute for repentance and forgiveness. Guilt, as self-flagellation, often brings depression, whereas repentance and confession bring forgiveness and joy. Legalism offers relief from guilt by focusing on outward acts—even God-ordained acts—and promises salvation to the person performing them. Legalism…Keep Reading

“…they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11 How are we going to hear from God if we leave the pages of the Bible unturned? “Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) I know that you can study…Keep Reading

“King Saul was returning home after David had defeated Goliath. Women came out from all the towns along the way to celebrate and to cheer for King Saul, and were singing and dancing for JOY with tambourines and cymbals.” 1 Samuel 18:6 The above passage is the first time that the word “joy” is used in the Bible. The Lord had given victory to David; and in doing so the…Keep Reading

The defender of the faith preaches a Christ-centered message. The caustic crusader usually preaches an issue-oriented message. A truly Christ-centered message will answer relevant issues as they arise because the Christ-centered message spans the spectrum of truth. Not only does the defender of the faith preach a Christ-centered message, but he also preaches a discriminating message. One can quote verbatim from Jesus himself and still preach a perverted message. Paul…Keep Reading

“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Joel 3:16 The little fellow was lost in the forest and could hear trouble stalking him. How much longer could he go before being overtaken? He was tired, frightened, and…Keep Reading

Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church Link to YouTube Video – Mark 9:38-50 From Pastor Will Shewey – About Shades of Grace While much of the region is under water and no electricity. It was great to see nearly 50 folk gather for Saturday morning worship. The music and fellowship was sweet. Our friend Ralph is hearing impaired and his birthday is Sunday. We gave him cards…Keep Reading

We just got yard, porch and patio furniture turned over and many many small limbs throughout the yard during this horrific storm . . . But for lots of people the damage is beyond completely complicated and beyond comprehension. Some were seeking to find their loved ones. Others couldn’t get to their loved ones because of roads and bridges being washed out. Some lost their homes. There is much to…Keep Reading