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The Heart-for-God Series: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

GOD’S UNUSUAL CHOICES   Can you recall a defining moment in your life that changed the trajectory of your life? The first one in my life came when I was about twelve years old. My father, my brother (who is 11 years older), and my brother-in-law (12 years older), were building a small deck on the back of our house. I wanted to get in there and help build with my dad and brothers.              I don’t remember the words; I just remember the feeling of utter rejection. My dad rejected me and my presence. I was of no help. I wasn’t wanted. I had no skills to offer. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. My dad didn’t have the patience to teach me the skills of handywork.              Leaving them to their project, I recall going inside and that I began pulling books (encyclopedias) and following a history thread. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but I look on that moment now as a turning point: I was not going to be a tradesman, I was going to be a scholar. Two years later, God turn
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The Heart-for-God Series: 1 Samuel 13:1-15

WHAT HAVING A HEART FOR GOD…IS NOT   A good principle of life is to accentuate the positive in any given situation. We don’t want to dwell on the negatives; it’s bad for our mental health. There are times though, when we need to acknowledge the negative examples and learn from them.              Teaching from the negative. We ourselves never want to be the negative example but given our fallen natures it does happen.               Following Jesus is not easy. You are faced with dilemmas and ethical issues that require a choice: What would a person who has a heart for God do in this situation? Have you ever messed up in that choice? Of course you have. We all do. Whether it is our own negative example or another Christian’s failing, we need to learn from the negative.               Learning from the negative requires a few things: Humility  – a recognition that we are fallen and that we all make mistakes (i.e. we sin). Grace  – we always have forgiveness through Christ for our failings.
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The Anabaptist Vision (My version for 2024)

THE ANABAPTIST VISION (My Version 2024) Prior to our congregational meeting on Thursday evening, I was asked what the difference is between being Mennonite and being Anabaptist. Good question. It is a complex question with an even more complicated answer.              Sharon and I have recently returned from what was billed as “The Classic Anabaptist History Tour,” a visit to five countries where the Anabaptist movement began. It was an intense schedule with little room to catch your breath. For Sharon and me, it was a spiritual journey to discover the origins of our faith and those that died to make faith possible.             Just days before we left, I was suddenly filled with fears. Our group consisted of 24 Americans and four Canadians – there were bound to be differences. Many of the Americans came from Mennonite Church USA. Would they be flag-waving patriots? Would they share my faith values? My greatest apprehension about MC USA was their affirmation of the LGBTQ movement. Woul
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