Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus- an Advent devotional for Dec. 9, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus- an Advent devotional for Dec. 9, 2017

There’s a Voice in the Wilderness- an Advent devotional for Dec. 8, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading There’s a Voice in the Wilderness- an Advent devotional for Dec. 8, 2017

As the Dark Awaits the Dawn- an Advent devotional for Dec. 6, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading As the Dark Awaits the Dawn- an Advent devotional for Dec. 6, 2017

Hope, Connect, Go: A Stewardship Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent

It was a joy to be back with the good people of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah, Nebraska. Thank you friend and Pastor Tyler Gubsch for the invitation to help kick off an Advent series on stewardship. The sermon was based in part on the appointed readings for Advent 1B in the lectionary, especially: Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, and Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19. What follows is … Continue reading Hope, Connect, Go: A Stewardship Sermon for the First Sunday of Advent

All Earth is Hopeful- an Advent Devotional for Dec. 1, 2017

This Advent season I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might be more of one or another. I invite you … Continue reading All Earth is Hopeful- an Advent Devotional for Dec. 1, 2017

Entrusted with much, let us talents and tongues employ

I had the privilege of being with the good people of American Lutheran Church in Ashland, Nebraska today. I was invited by friend and pastor Steve Lindley to preach on stewardship, using this week’s appointed lessons especially Matthew 25:14-30 and Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from.  Grace and peace from God in Christ who … Continue reading Entrusted with much, let us talents and tongues employ

Preaching on Stewardship- November 19, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s stewardship nuggets based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary are as follows: Sunday November 19, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- 24th Sunday after Pentecost (Year A- Lectionary 33) First Lesson: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11], 12 Second Lesson: 1 … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- November 19, 2017

God’s Economic Delivery System- Open Handed, Generous, & For Us

I had the joy to be with the good people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska today, thanks to the invitation of Pastor Russell McDowell. I was invited to share today’s message as part of the congregation’s Stewardship Celebration Sunday, the Sunday they received financial commitments for the year ahead. The theme for their stewardship focus has been “Live Generously,” with today’s focus … Continue reading God’s Economic Delivery System- Open Handed, Generous, & For Us

Preaching on Stewardship- November 12, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s stewardship nuggets based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary are as follows: Sunday November 12, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson: Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70 Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13 After … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- November 12, 2017

Preaching on Stewardship- Reformation Sunday- October 29, 2017

Every Monday I share a few tidbits, nuggets, or ideas for incorporating some stewardship themes in your preaching. This week’s stewardship nuggets based on the appointed readings by the Revised Common Lectionary and Narrative Lectionary are as follows: Sunday October 29, 2017: Revised Common Lectionary- Reformation Sunday First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 46 Second Lesson: Romans 3:19-28 Gospel of John 8:31-36 On this 500th anniversary … Continue reading Preaching on Stewardship- Reformation Sunday- October 29, 2017