“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12). As a pastor, it is important for me to keep track of current events, both here in South Florida and throughout the world, so that I may know how best to minister to our congregation and how to pray for all of you and for our world. But as a man whose sinful flesh is stained by sin and selfishness, there are times I’d really rather […]

Jesus says to his disciples, “Let’s go to the other side.” Jesus was on a mission then, and He is on a mission today. Where is He taking us? I remember as a young boy having a picture hanging in my bedroom that depicted a young man piloting a boat at its helm, while in the midst of a storm. Jesus stood behind the young man with one hand on his shoulder and the other showing him where to steer in the midst of the high seas. Today, that painting hangs on a wall in our house that is full […]

The current trial before this nation and this world is difficult and deeply painful for many. To others it will remain a temporary “new normal” not without its inconveniences, fears and unknowns. Whatever the level of intensity and personal impact, this season of adversity will likely alter the way we perceive faith and one another. What we collectively and individually experience now, will be recounted and discussed for generations around dinner tables, campfires and pulpits. We have officially entered into a historic event whether we realize it or not. Reality is a great teacher. The following themes, from a pastor’s […]

Similar to much of the western church trends of today, the circus business was (and still is) in long-term decline. Facing fierce competition from alternative forms of entertainment, shifting interests of its once core audience along with increasing pressure from animal rights groups, culture was simply leaving the circus behind. In the face of their declining market, the circus tried as hard as it could to increase ticket sales and grow participation through highlighting star performers whom Ringling and the other circuses relied on to draw crowds. However, these star performers came at a high cost which only continued to […]