Pastor’s Blog (Page 38)

Quite a fuss has been made over President Obama bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito.1 Some contend he was just trying to be polite–bowing is a common social gesture in this part of the world.  Others are appalled or even angry, convinced he is communicating deference and subservience to Akihito as a superior. I don’t intend to weigh in on that debate.  But the…

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1919, an armistice was signed that ended the fighting of the Great War — World War 1.  They called it Armistice Day. Every November 11 thereafter, businesses would close their doors at 11 a.m. to honor those who had served in that awful war.  With the passing of time it has come to be known as Veterans Day…

Time didn’t allow it Sunday, but I wish we could’ve looked at one more “listening” story.  Here’s the Cliff Notes version.1 King Zedekiah — alarmed by the invading Babylonian army — sent word to the prophet Jeremiah:   “Please pray to the Lord our God on our behalf.” Apparently, Zedekiah is following the example of his…

Dear Woodland Hills Family, In case you weren’t with us Sunday, our worship time grew out of this foundational truth from Psalm 139:7-12. “Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Where can I flee from Your presence?” What a comfort is the nearness of our God!  Deepest depth or loftiest height–He is there; darkest night or brightest day–He never…

We remember… We remember the cold, calculated killings of September 11, 2001.   The vicious depravity. We cannot forget the 247 crew and passengers held hostage, then murdered on flights 11 & 77 (American), and 175 and 93 (United).  We reel at the unconscionable malice. The sight of the collapsing Towers is etched forever upon our minds.  Brutal cowards snuffed…

Have I told you the story of how Taylor Hollingsworth proposed to my daughter Elisabeth? The night before what turned out to be the Big Day, Taylor had suggested to Elisabeth that perhaps they might hang out and go shopping together the next day.  The way he presented it made it seem casual enough, so she was in no hurry to get going and ended up sleeping most of the…