Someone you know isn’t deeply in love with Jesus. In fact, your someone (who could be you) might say dismissively, tersely, or painfully, “Jesus? Oh, we’re not on speaking terms right now.” This is half true. And I’ll get to this. First, however, English Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt…
Read MoreMetaphor and imagery are musts when it comes to gaining the most from scripture. The strong visuals we create in our minds help us live into our faith not just beautifully but specifically. This is the case in Psalm 24, a lesser rehearsed yet powerful writing that immediately follows…
Read MoreLook at your schedule. What’s that? You’re saying it’s full? Too full? If you are blessed with less (or almost nothing to do) on a to do list for even a day or two, consider how your time is spent. Is it peaceful? If you’re rushing about, how is…
Read MoreA newcomer to worship said the church was unwelcoming. Ouch. I said, “Say more.” I’ll call him Tim, and he did share more. “Well, one of your members didn’t welcome me when I was in your church, but that week in the grocery store she came up to me….
Read MoreThat pastor or clergyperson slighted you. The offense was an obvious no-no. Of course, your feelings are hurt. How dare that man or woman of God do this? Yes, you stopped attending that mass or worship service. Why should you go? All the pain, the hurt, and the hard…
Read MoreThe Nine Partners Monument in Harford Township was placed in 1890 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the nine pioneers who first settled the area from Attleboro, Massachusetts, from a densely wooded area that had been Lenape hunting grounds. The Lenape (also known as the Lenni Lenape, the…
Read MoreTake the compliment, she thinks to herself as she stands in front of someone impressive. Instead, she hears back, “Oh, no, not me. This is really the work of the Lord.” “Yes, but you did it.” “I did it, but really, it is God’s direction through me.” If…
Read MoreI am a foster parent to my sixth child who is now 15 months old. I know. You’re thinking, “Aww, the pastor the church in Harford is fostering an infant…how sweet!” Whoa, wait. You ARE thinking fostering an infant is sweet, aren’t you? Honestly, it is sweet. For almost…
Read MoreI don’t mean the heat from late July temperatures when I ask, “Have you been too hot?” The heat I’m talking about isn’t indicated on an outdoor bank sign or discussed by a meteorologist. This is the heat when we admit we’re hot under the collar. Yes, I’m talking…
Read MoreYour back is against the wall. You’re pinned to the ground with a failure. What was taken cannot be returned. A wave or weight of grief leads you to—and keeps you in—a hole. From these places we best hear the story of Daniel, a faithful servant famous for…
Read MoreCopyright William Hagenbuch. All rights reserved.