Ordinary Grace Blog
The Latest Posts
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“And here you are!”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a Seven months ago, I worshiped in the North Carolina congregation where I had served as pastor for nearly eleven years. I made passing mention of that experience in a blog post on April 27. There was another moment from that morning, though,…
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A Glimpse of Church
“Standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind.” –Philippians 1:28 A few years ago, I worshiped at a Presbyterian Church 15 miles from our home. During my working years, when I was in town and had a Sunday off I didn’t typically sleep in, but instead would…
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Witnesses Unaware
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3 Several years ago, ten members of the congregation I served at the time traveled with me to Greece and Turkey. Joined by two other women who lived in Pennsylvania, two from Michigan, an Australian couple and a woman from Trinidad and…
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Preachers in Heaven?
“God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eye.” –Revelation 21:3 On the church calendar November 1 is designated as All Saints Day. In many congregations, it is the occasion when, during a worship service, we will remember by name the individuals who have died during the previous twelve…
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Already, But Not Yet
“There is no longer Jew or Greek… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 One summer during my seminary years, I worked for a cooperative ministry group in West Virginia. Along with a food bank and clothing closet, that organization provided, at no cost, needed home repairs for the poorest residents…
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Removing the Veil
“And Moses would put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with [God].” Exodus 34:35b The 34th chapter of Exodus speaks repeatedly of a veil. It wasn’t worn by a bashful bride, but Moses, a great leader of the past. Nor was it put on for a wedding, but before…
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Awe and Wonder
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established…” –Psalm 8:3 Lori and I just returned from a trip through the national parks of Southern Utah. Known as The Mighty Five, they stretch across the Beehive State from Colorado to Nevada and include Arches,…
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A Bold Word
“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness.” –Acts 4:29 The words above come one day after the disciples Peter and John encountered a man who had been unable to walk since birth. Calling on the name of Jesus, Peter healed him and then told…
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An Essential Reminder
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” –Proverbs 3:5 15 years ago, the Session of the congregation I served at the time gathered for a historic decision. Not every matter a church governing body considers rises to that level, of course. This one did as the group pondered next steps in a major renovation…
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The Power of One
“But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described…how in Damascus Saul had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.” –Act 9:27 His name was Carl. When we first met, he had worked for the telephone company for 39 years. Some of my co-workers had warned me he was odd, even a curmudgeon.…