Posts by Pastor Shawn (Page 3)

We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, CEB) It has been one of those weeks where I am reminded that life is messy. I realize some people can tolerate more messiness than others. Some of you know my desk tends to be cluttered, what some would even call messy. Honestly, most of the time, I know where most things are…

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”       And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the…

Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?” (John 3:3-4, CEB) I’ve always found the biblical character Nicodemus interesting. Here we meet someone who should have the answers, who should have wisdom and understanding. He is a Pharisee, a seasoned Jewish leader, and…

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. But he put his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m the first and the last, 18 and the living one. (Revelation Chap 1, CEB) On Sunday mornings for our youth discipleship class we’ve begun a deep dive into the book of Revelation. This is indeed a challenging endeavor, but it is something our students were requesting and have an innate curiosity about. We are…

And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:10-11, CEB) This Sunday is Palm Sunday, which also marks the beginning of Holy Week. As I reflect on this passage from Matthew which describes the triumphal entry, the phrase that jumps out to me is, “Who is this?” In so many ways this question captures the whole progression of the gospel…

Be still before the Lord, and wait for him. (Psalm 37:7 CEB) As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, I want to take a moment to highlight the Sacred Invitation devotional many of us have started engaging through this season. Last I checked there were still a few paper copies available for pickup at the church. The devotional can also be purchased as an e-book through Amazon (the paper copies have sold out online).    Click here…

8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Mark 2:8-10) On Sundays, both in the worship service and in the…

Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone… Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:14b, 16-18) As we close out what will be a year that most of us will never forget, I have felt the Spirit challenging me to evaluate all the reasons we have to be hopeful about the coming new year. Here in this passage, as the Apostle Paul moves…

34 “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. 35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” (John 13:34-35 CEB) John Wesley was a pastor and theologian who lived in the 1700s. Many affirm that the Church of the Nazarene grew out of the evangelistic movement originally started by Wesley. In Wesley’s teachings, he often emphasized the idea of…

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossian 3:12-14 from the Message) In the midst of this election week, with votes still…

8 He will swallow up death forever. The LORD God will wipe tears from every face; he will remove his people’s disgrace from off the whole earth, for the LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 25:8 CEB) This passage comes from the Old Testament Lectionary reading for this week. During the tumultuous days we find ourselves in, this verse stands as a good reminder of God’s role and promises in the big picture. First God “will swallow up death forever.” Modern culture…

And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5b) As I encountered this passage this week, the phrase “God stands against the proud” jumped out at me. I had heard this idea from scripture before. Similar ideas can be found in James 4:6 and Proverbs 3:34. Although a familiar sentiment, this idea seemed jolting this week. It almost seems like the opposite of God’s character…