Entitlement That Leads to Bitterness

"I deserve better" will make me bitter.
He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Tuesday after supper, Ruby and I were chatting about feeling entitled and deserving — an at-home follow-up to the pastor’s theme Sunday morning. She had raised the subject, wondering what I would say on the subject of entitlement.

Then later in the evening as I did the second of my twice daily ear-diaper changes, I got to thinking about the subject of bitterness since it comes up in today’s printed text (for our adult Sunday School lesson).

I thought about things that provoke in me a rising of bitterness. It easily happens when… Read it all

When Your Church Has Leadership Selection Looming

What does your congregation need in a leader?
Who shall weigh the prospective church leader...and how?

So your church needs another leader. And you get to be part of the leadership selection process. May I help?

No, I don’t mean helping your church pick. And I certainly don’t mean helping by being that leader. I mean, may I help you personally as you “figure out” for whom you will vote?

For the sake of the prospective new leader, know the answers to these three questions:

  • What does being a minister mean in your congregation?
  • To what do you expect him to commit himself?
  • In what areas are church members to obey church leaders?

Before you make your nomination or cast your vote for someone, resolve at least these things about you and him: Read it all

How to Get Past the Baby Stuff at Christmas

Begin by imagining a different way of celebrating your own birthday...
Noreen Roth with first-born Mark

You probably already had your birthday this year. I did, but one of my life-long, faithful friends still hasn’t had his birthday. Imagine yours is yet to come.

To celebrate your birthday, we will hang up pictures of you in your crib — to show we know who this is all about, you know. Generally, though, we will disregard you in favor of other festive and seasonal activities. If anyone gets around to remembering you, it will be to reminisce about your birth and baby days. And gifts? We will give each other gifts we think we would enjoy. Maybe we will think to give you a baby rattle or a teddy bear. You would probably say “bah humbug” on birthdays, at least yours. Read it all

Covid-19, the Governor, the Church, and Me

Have I changed my stand by now?
Stand fast in the Lord (Philippians 4:1)

For several weeks I’ve been wanting to update you on where I stand regarding governor mandates that affect church services in this Covid-19 era.

Before I tell you, though, I want you to know that early on (say mid-Spring 2020) I suspected the pandemic was being used for political advantage as well as for experimental authoritarian measures. Then I came to be suspicious of the “timeliness” of the foreign connections of the virus. And I was sure some of the governmental measures being taken were not at all on solid Constitutional grounds. Call me a conspiracy kook if you want, but I am persuaded of such things by now.

Even so — and here is the update in a nut’s shell, folks — Read it all

Lisa Miller — Self-Harm Risk and Flight Risk?

Some of those holding her seem(ed) to think so!
Unto you it is given...to suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:29)

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Greetings in the name of our Lord who controls all things. It has been an outside chilly 27°F here at Niagara County Jail; hence I’ve been passing on the one hour outside rec time. Outside recreation occurs in 3 partitioned-off blacktop areas (yards) topped with razor-sharp barbed wire. All the women who choose to take advantage of outside rec go out together but each unit plays in their own yard. I choose to walk round and round the yard with ear buds in listening to sermons or music while others prefer to shoot the hoop or socialize with others through the chain link fence. When I pass on rec I usually can be found writing letters on my bunk. Thank you all who write me. I am blessed beyond measure!

Speaking of your letters, they have created quite a stir here. =) Tonight, I was called out of the dorm to supposedly speak to a C.O. [corrections officer].Read it all

Lisa Miller Case: a Letter From Philip Zodhiates

He has a very specific prayer request in this prison letter.
Philip and Kathie Zodhiates (Associated Press/Photo by Carolyn Thompson)
Philip and Kathie Zodhiates (Associated Press/Photo by Carolyn Thompson)
Philip Zodhiates with his wife Kathie (Associated Press/Photo by Carolyn Thompson)

Perhaps Philip Zodhiates is unfamiliar to you. In short, he’s another man who drew a prison term for helping Lisa and Isabella escape back in 2009. At the end of this post I have some links to give you background. Anyway, here is a portion of a recent letter from him: Read it all

Above all, love God!