Author: John Willingham

“Do not fear, I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” –Isaiah 43:1 In the three years of this blog’s existence I have only twice made a post on a day other than a Sunday.  The 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 seemed like the appropriate occasion to… Read more

There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink  and find enjoyment in their toil.  This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, –Ecclesiastes 2:24 On this Labor Day weekend, I’d like to ponder with you the nature of work; not only the things we do for pay but the other… Read more

“Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again,  and he looked intently and his sight was restored.” –Mark 8:25 The verse we just read comes from a Biblical account that tells of two firsts in Jesus’ ministry. As far as Mark’s gospel records, that day recalls the initial time Jesus restored sight to one… Read more

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” –Joshua 24:15b One day thirty years ago, I had a revelation in a department store. It wasn’t visible to anyone else, nor did it have theological import, but rather came in a moment while shopping for blue jeans. Unlike school days, my typical wardrobe as a pastor doesn’t… Read more

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:16  There used to be a preaching professor at my seminary whose pet peeve was weak sermon titles.  He would often tell his students that the title of the sermon should be… Read more

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” -Psalm 139:14a When I made my college choice years ago, I did so fully aware that my oldest brother Ed, would graduate from the school three months before I arrived. His positive experience at Davidson had been a factor in my decision to enroll, too,… Read more

“One generation shall laud your works to  another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” –Psalm 145:4  One Sunday many years ago, I was sitting with my family during a worship service led by the youth of that congregation.  It was a morning like all Youth Sundays I have experienced as it provided visible evidence of… Read more

“Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” –Mark 8:12  Immediately prior to the words from Jesus we just read, he had fed 4000 people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Only Mark and Matthew speak of this miracle in… Read more

“Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” –1 John 3:18 Years ago while returning from a family beach vacation, we stopped for lunch at a fast-food restaurant.  As I waited for our order to be filled a customer next to me struck up a conversation. Before I… Read more

“See, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves.” –Matthew 10:16a  The minister did not like my answer. It came on a day when I was taking the final step to become a clergyperson myself. I had graduated from seminary, passed my ordination exams, received a call to become pastor of… Read more