Tag Archives: recovery
35 Years, Clean and Sober
Proverbs 15:33 — The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. This is the cross-over year. I’m 68 years old, and today I have 35 years clean and sober. I’ve lived more than half … Continue reading
Circumcision of the Heart
I’m preaching a sermon series on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. This letter is dense, and wonderful and powerful; perhaps no other writing better explains the Christian faith than this letter Paul wrote to a church he did … Continue reading
Ascension
My wife and partner Brenda had a total knee replacement surgery April 5. I have done no blog writing since then, but have kept up with the writing of sermons. For those who are interested, the following is a portion … Continue reading
Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Blessed is he whose help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for … Continue reading
Poor in Spirit, Step 1 and Romans 7
Photo taken several years ago at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in near Palestine, Texas Is there a link between the Beatitudes, Romans 7 and Step 1? I’m starting a sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount, found in Mathew’s … Continue reading
Blessed are the Grateful
Hydrangeas outside the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, England. A friend asked me if I would write a post with what advice I’d give the me from 20 years ago. I suspect he is 20 years younger than my … Continue reading
All the Time
God is at work, all the time. I’ve been thinking about this concept a lot in the last few years, I mention it in my writing and preaching, and more and more it rings true. God is at work, all … Continue reading
A Gift Worth Giving
Recently I’ve read Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life, by Johann Christoph Arnold. It’s a Plough Publishing book, and I recommend it and anything published by Plough, including the beautiful and thoughtful quarterly magazine of … Continue reading
What Do You Think I Should….
Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he … Continue reading
Born Again
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, ESV) This is such an odd saying, and for many of us we have grown up with … Continue reading
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace -- Frank Coats 