Author: John Willingham

“…not knowing what he said.” Luke 9:33 Forty years ago, I took a group of senior high youth on a week-long trip to New York City.  The teenagers were from a small town in Virginia, so that journey held the promise of all kinds of new experiences. It turned out to be that sort of Read more

“And now we are in your hand: do as it seems good  and right in your sight to do to us.” Joshua 9:25 Long ago when Moses spelled out the norms of warfare for God’s people he distinguished between the native peoples of Canaan and those who lived far away. For the former, the Israelites Read more

“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them.”  Revelation 21:3a The Biblical verse above comes from a passage when John tells of seeing a “new heaven and a new earth.”  Those words from Revelation are often read at funerals for in such times we need to be reminded of a Read more

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 Like much of the country, my home region has already had significant winter weather.   I have lived in Pennsylvania for nearly 25 years, but the snow we had a couple of weeks ago is Read more

“even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend,  at least because of his persistence  he will get up and give him whatever he asks.” –Luke 11:8 The verse above comes from one of Jesus’ most intriguing parables.  “Suppose one of you has a friend,” he begins, “and Read more

“making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 The audience for the verse we just read was a first century church in Ephesus. That community was an important city in that day, located at the intersection of major trade routes. It also boasted a pagan temple Read more

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” –Luke 14:7 A former pastorate of mine offered transportation from and to a nearby retirement community each Sunday morning. The congregation had purchased a 21-passenger bus primarily for youth activities, but soon expanded its use. Given the bus size, Read more

Friends, After more than a month of trying to get the notification feature on my blog corrected, I think it is working again. As best I can tell, something went haywire on my hosting site which meant that when I made a new post you did not get notice of it. I continued to make Read more

“The LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh?’ Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?’’ –Genesis 18:13a, 14a Eleven years ago, I had the privilege of officiating at the wedding of a couple named Linda and Lee. Both were active in the local community and the bride a long-time member of the congregation. As Read more

“Peter said, ‘Though all become deserters because of you,  I will never desert you.’” –Matthew 26:33   As a child, I loved to hear stories about things my mother did as a little girl.  By all accounts, she kept my grandparents on their toes. For example, at a young age she once walked by herself to Read more