Pastor's Blog (Page 32)

Dear Woodland Hills Family, Isn’t this an accurate reflection on our receptivity to criticism? When I saw this, I immediately thought of our study this past Sunday on “being subject to one another.” What an uncomfortable message that was!  I didn’t enjoy studying for it or giving it. I guess it hit a little too close to home. As a matter of fact,…

Dear Woodland Hills Family, Down through the years our family has observed the Red Plate Tradition. When something special happened to you or when you made a noteworthy accomplishment, you got the Red Plate for supper! Our little journal of Red Plate Remembrances includes things like: * Courtney–was brave at the dentist today. * Elisabeth–had a great report…

Dear Woodland Hills Family, The Greek man in this shocking photo set himself on fire because he can’t pay back his home and business loans. The suicide rate jumped 40% in severely debt-ridden Greece last year. More than one in five is unemployed and the economic distress is spawning violent protests and riots. Last week a pharmacist shot himself outside the Greek…

Dear Woodland Hills Family, As I have been studying and reflecting on the events surrounding Christ’s crucifixion, I came across this artwork depicting the Via Dolarosa (the”Way of Suffering”) which Jesus took as He carried His cross to the place of His death. In this piece, artist Jon McNaughton depicts a large crowd standing by as Jesus carries His…

Dear Woodland Hills Family, For the last 3 years I’ve been cultivating a relationship with a man who’s been renting a building I own. I’ve had the opportunity to share the Good News with him on a few occasions. He is not at all receptive, but I am praying that in time he will give his life to the Lord Jesus. Not long ago our relationship hit a pretty big…

Julio Diaz is a social worker in his thirties who lives in the Bronx. As he stepped off the subway one night, a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife. “He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, ‘Here you go,’” Diaz says. As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, “Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If…