Which Side Is the Other Side?

Well marked paths can help us to find our way, but in life the paths can be unmarked and surrounded with weeds and steep inclines. Furthermore, even when we have the ability to use a map, we choose not to do so. We like relying on our our powers and abilities as we trek through life. The problem comes when we get lost we cry out in frustration and want to blame God for our lost direction.  In the sixties Flip Wilson use to tell us, "The devil made me do it." Why do we have the need to blame Satan, and others for our problem and concerns? What would happen if we simply took responsibility for our choices? When we are in error and we take responsibly, this tends us to have to step back and re-evaluate our motives and reasons for our choices. I know when I hurt someone and I apologize to them it causes me to select my more words and actions a little better.  We need each other to help us as we try to navigate life. People who forgive us and help us by encouraging and...

“Talking to Yourself” Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:14   (NRSV)             I believe sometimes there is great value in talking to yourself. When you hear the words come out of your mouth it can cause a reaction simply by giving your words life. Also, It can help you to cut down on those “foot in the mouth” moments. I cannot count the times I have said something, even in a sermon, and then thought to myself, “Did I really say that?” Numerous times in the Bible it talks about taming our tongues.             There is worth in stopping and thinking, even meditating on our words. I enjoy taking time and offering kind words to people as I am out in the community. It’s amazing how people respond. Even as I am in a checkout line, o...

After 28 years in ministry I will be starting my first Sabbatical. It's funny, everyone keeps calling it a vacation. I guess I don't see it that way. I see it as a way to do others types of ministry and to take a little time to renew my love for ministry.  One of the things I will be doing is taking a silent retreat. Being an extrovert people see this as an almost impossible event. I always feel renewed when I take time to step back and try and hear the voice of God. Jesus did this many times as he took time to step away from life's journey to renew his Spirit. Its very important for everyone to take time away and try things that will help them to refresh their spirit's and see God's love more clearly. One of the places I am looking forward to looking for God is this church pictured above.  (St. Peter's United Church of Christ) This congregation was founded by one of my ancestries many years ago. Down the road from this church is a family h...

Today is Maundy or Holy Thursday. This Holy day is all about remembering. Christ tells us, "Do This in Remembrance of Me." I believe this day to be one day were Jesus struggles with his own humanity.  As the story continues Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane were he asks God to "take this cup from him," meaning don't make me go through this event causing my emanate death.   The majority of theologians wants us to act as if Jesus was always superhuman, but while on earth with us, he struggles as we struggle. Jesus being both human and divine gives me a source of comfort knowing that its normal not to have all the answers to all the questions.  Everyone wants to be remembered, and Jesus is no exception. So, tonight at 7:00 pm the people at Immanuel United Church of Christ will do just that. We will have a dinner before @ 5:45 pm and then celebrate Jesus' love for us in the sanctuary after dinner. PLEASE join us for this event of forgiveness, grace an...

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, but my doctoral project changed. I am now interviewing church members about how they grew up and how they see things in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. I do so appreciate each person who joined this blog to help me out. I will be blogging later, but not right now. Thanks again and shalom to all. Dan

God places high value on staying connected I believe that everyone has the need to belong. We meet this need through fami­ly, school, church and other community places of connec­tion. Even this weekend, we have the Venetian Festival to gives us an opportunity to connect with people. We stay connected with cell phones, the Internet and even smart­phones that can achieve both. With all of these options available to us, why do we feel so lonely? We are so busy going our own separate ways that we have discon­nected in a gigantic way from those around us. I was on a college campus the other day and I saw a cou­ple of students walking side by side. As they approached me I could see them both talking on their phones to someone else. They were to­gether but not totally present with each other. How many times do we say “How are you?” and are not interested in the answer? It is not about age or technical advances, but about simply disco...