The Reality of Our Present World

Reminding myself of what my step 4th cousin 6x removed, John Adams, once said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” See how I worked my lineage into that? Ancestry.com holds a treasure trove of facts if you're willing to do your homework. This seems like a good time to quote an old saying. “A lie gets halfway around the world…

Walking the campus of my High School with K-9 units roaming the halls was a harrowing experience for a young teenager. It was the mid-70’s and America was at war. “Race Riots” was our descriptor. Fights broke out daily and police handcuffed more students than I can remember. Fear reigned in the hearts of us all - black and white. Knives and guns were confiscated regularly. Locker shakedowns - it felt like we were in prison. It was evident in our perplexed.…

Off in the distance, I could see it coming – galloping toward me like a herd of wild horses. It was an intriguing yet perplexing thought that I tried my best to avoid. I ducked but it successfully circled my head and entered through my left ear. A sneak attack. “Well …….. with this whole COVID-19 stuff and ministry on hold indefinitely, maybe it’s time to enjoy life a little more. Relax, call it what it is, and cherish these last years of my.…

Could this be the time? Is Jesus’ return imminent? There are a lot of theories being tossed about inside and outside the church as to the reason for this worldwide pandemic. In truth, no one really knows what God is up to. Did He cause the pandemic? No! Will He use it for His purposes? Yes! So where are we in the greater story that God is writing, or in fact already written? Some see this as a period of rest or reset. The kind you need when you’ve been burnt to…

Last count, 40 days in lockdown. Social distancing and sheltering in place - our new vocabulary. No matter how grounded you may be as a believer, the times we find ourselves in are extremely difficult. Emotionally, psychologically, financially, physically – you can add your expletive in advance of each word. We need to name it. For many, it’s anxiety, fear of the unknown, sickness, grief if you’ve lost someone close to you, and a new normal. Except nothing…

Earlier this week Dave Runyon, the author of The Art of Neighboring reached out to Water Street Mission to offer a new resource to individuals and their churches. Here is the resource he developed, called the COVID-19 Neighboring Toolkit (linked). Feel free to utilize this in any way you see fit with your friends, family or church. We think it is a great reminder and guide for loving our neighbors in this unique time. In addition to this toolkit, Right Now Media just…

The disciples experienced two different types of fear when they were on the lake with Jesus. When a storm came, they were in ‘great danger’ (v.23) and the disciples were afraid. They woke Jesus and said, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ (v.24a). Jesus ‘got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm’ (v.24b). He said to his disciples, ‘Where is your faith?’ (v.25a). We see…

Reminding myself of what my step 4th cousin 6x removed, John Adams, once said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” See how I worked my lineage into that? Ancestry.com holds a treasure trove of facts if you're willing to do your homework. As has become an annual tradition for me I ask God what His focus word is for the coming year. A…

I'm both humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to serve our community through the Chaplaincy program at the Lancaster County Prison. Over 25 years ago I was informed by God that someday this would come about. Largely because of my own personal experience - looking from the inside out - not the outside in. A story for another time. Our mission at Embracing Brokenness Ministries is to focus on teaching and assisting the poor and disenfranchised - the least, the,…