What was it like to assemble with the church in the first century? What were the attitudes of the Christians as they came together on the Lord’s Day? What did they talk about? What did they think about? Some of the places of assembly may have been public buildings; more often the church assembled in …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Preparing for Ministry”
Matthew 25 is usually quoted to remind us of the importance of “benevolent work” or prison ministry. The text says, “Insomuch as you did it unto one of the least of these, you did it unto me.” Today I am thinking about a different application of this text. How do I treat my brothers and …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: God lives among his people”
Today we share spiritual family reunions with two families that are an important part of our spiritual history. We served in ministry with the Plymouth church of Christ almost 40 years ago (1974-1976). Today the Plymouth church celebrates its 75th anniversary and we are thrilled at the prospect of worshiping this morning with our spiritual …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Plymouth and Holmes Road”
I like to use a part of the day on Sundays for meditation. Generally, my best opportunity for meditation is early Sunday morning. Something seems right about using the Lord’s Day to think more deeply about the things of God. Today I am thinking about excellence in the Christian life. Christian excellence is not the …
This past week, I have returned to my “psalms project.” I am writing a devotional based on each of the 150 psalms. As a result, I have had the opportunity to read and reread Psalms 90-100. Worship begins with a heart attuned to God. The Lord reigns—majestic, strong, eternal, transcendent, invincible, and holy. The Lord …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Worship Begins with Who God Is”
Today I am at home. I will worship at Park Plaza. I anticipate sharing the unique and special fellowship that exists when one is at home. So far this year, I worshiped on Sunday with 25 different congregations of God’s Family in eight countries. Six of the congregations were English-speaking, most of the time I …
Today I am back “home”–my first opportunity to assemble for worship with my Park Plaza spiritual family this month. (Good thing June has five Sundays!) Today the elders will pray for various mission efforts of the Park Plaza church, including my upcoming trip to Venezuela. I am thinking this morning about how grateful I am …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Praying for Missions with the Spiritual Family”
Today I will worship with my extended spiritual family at the North Side church in Mena, Arkansas. This church has a special place in our hearts as we have shared the spiritual journey for over 40 years. We are colaborers together in various mission efforts around the world. I will miss my family at home …
Despite the fact that many calendars printed for use in the workplace now begin the week on Monday, and that in the minds of most people the weekend is Saturday and Sunday, Sunday is the beginning of a new week–the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. The opportunity to worship God without fear …
Continue reading “A Busy Week–Looking Backward, Looking Forward”
He was an excellent student. He had grown up in a Christian home. He wanted to become a preacher, but….he had doubts. “What if I can’t make it as a preacher?” He sat in my office during the scheduled advisor-advisee conference. He shared some of his story. He had watched a parade of preachers who …
