special feature by Pastor’s wife, Diane Scallon What does it mean to be self-focused? Selfish? Prideful? Self-centered easily describes what it means to be self-focused, where people are so concerned with their own interests or well-being, that they often forget how to care about others. How is your life self-focused? There are ways that we… Continue reading Life is NOT About Us!
Category: Pastor’s Blog
Get Back Up When You Stumble
The turning of the new year is a great time for review and self-examination. Another 365 days have gone; what do we have to show for it? There may be pride from success, or guilt over insufficient accomplishments. Both of these often serve as catalysts for New Year’s resolutions – either goals for further accomplishment,… Continue reading Get Back Up When You Stumble
The God Beyond Us Has Become the God Among Us
Have you ever stopped to consider what defines God? Most people have a basic conceptualization of who God must be. If He is God, then He is eternal; He has no beginning or end. He is the all-powerful Creator of all things; He brought the universe into existence. He knows everything. There’s nothing He cannot do. He… Continue reading The God Beyond Us Has Become the God Among Us
The Forgotten Meaning of Christmas
Are you familiar with Jesus’ parable about the four soils? I have been thinking much lately about the thorny soil, on which the seed started to grow but was “choked out” by the thorns. Jesus later explains what the thorns represent: “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go… Continue reading The Forgotten Meaning of Christmas
Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Start Building Resilience this Seasonspecial feature by Pastor’s wife, Diane Scallon Over the last few years, studies and scholars have shown that stress, anxiety, and depression have skyrocketed. There are many stressors, as well as the increasingly popular word, “triggers”. The ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) states, “Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time… Continue reading Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Communion “Resolutions”
Guilt. The recollection of failure and inadequacy. Recognizing that we fall far short. Shame from being plagued repeatedly by the same sin that we have previously resolved to forsake once-and-for-all. The feelings of defeat and despair. Desiring help… but not exposure. The opportunity to examine ourselves when we participate in the Lord’s Supper, or Communion,… Continue reading Communion “Resolutions”
“Come and See”: An Invitation
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). These words of Jesus communicate both his heart and purpose in leaving the glory of His Father’s presence (John 17:5) and joining the likes of mankind (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus was on mission: His Father’s mission, which He had owned for Himself. … Continue reading “Come and See”: An Invitation
The Discipline of Gratitude
What is it in our human nature that struggles so hard with thankfulness? Why are our blessings so often on our periphery while our complaints and demands grab our full attention? We are reminded this week to take time to be thankful. It may, in fact, be the one time each year that a majority… Continue reading The Discipline of Gratitude
The Anomaly of “Balance”
In a society that is deeply wounded with the rampant rise of divorce, broken families, fatherless children, and identity crisis, there has been a healthy resurgence in recognizing the importance of family. Husbands and parents are urged to guard their family time and balance their priorities to honor their Lord with their families. Without caution,… Continue reading The Anomaly of “Balance”
Pain and Hope in Grief
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” These beautiful words of Jesus in John 15:11 emanate with hope that appeals deeply for a world that is so desperate to know and hold on to evading happiness. They are rich truth that builds a foundation for… Continue reading Pain and Hope in Grief