Weekends can be such a challenge. We try to cram so much into such a little time. Morning to night. And if we go to church, we might get there a little late as we were up late the night before, and then we are watching the clock so that we can get to lunch... Continue Reading →

As we go through the spiritual disciplines, this week we focused on one that is difficult for most, if not all. This is especially true today. In a society that tells you to make up your own truth to be accepted just the way you are, and that truth is relative, confession leads us in... Continue Reading →

I remember working in management before I entered ministry. Things were falling through the cracks and everyone was focused on what “was” and what “wasn’t” their job. Debbie was out, and we had another nurse step in and cover for her. At one point on this particular night, a person had an “accident” in the... Continue Reading →

Hopefully it was a wonderful Easter/Resurrection Day for everyone. Resurrection Sunday is a day of new life. It is a day filled with hope, the hope that comes from knowing that the grave is empty! For those who checked out Elm Street Community Church’s service, we did focus on hope, but we also continued along... Continue Reading →

This week we celebrate one of the greatest examples of solitude in Scripture as Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He left most of the disciples to sit and pray in the garden while He went off with Peter, James and John. Then, leaving them to watch and pray with Him, He... Continue Reading →

For today’s devotion, we are going to look at the outward disciplines, starting with simplicity. In a sense, this discipline focuses on the difference between God’s kingdom and our stuff. At its core it is an issue of the heart, and it brings to light where our priorities are. As we look at simplicity, Richard... Continue Reading →

As we go through the spiritual disciplines, we move from meditation to Study. How often do we fight to fit in our quick devotional, or even spend a few minutes thinking about scripture and what it says to us? But what about study? Study is becoming a lost art form. This is happening in our... Continue Reading →

Meditation is such a great skill, and it is an important tool for so many to get through life.  Those who deal with different illnesses and require constant pain management often look to meditation for help.  The meditation that they are often guided in is eastern meditation.  The hope is to empty your mind, freeing... Continue Reading →

In Hebrews chapters 7-10, God lays out the background of Jesus as our Priest and Mediator of our faith. He did not need to offer sacrifices for Himself, for He lived a perfect life - without sin. So when He offered His life as a sacrifice for us, it was made once and for all.... Continue Reading →