How I loved those spiky suns,
rooted stubborn as childhood
in the grass, tough as the farmer’s
big-headed children—the mats
of yellow hair, the bowl-cut fringe.
How sturdy they were and how
slowly they turned themselves
into galaxies, domes of ghost stars
barely visible by day, pale
cerebrums clinging to life
on tough green stems. Like you.
Like you, in the end. If you were here,
I’d pluck this trembling globe to show
how beautiful a thing can be
a breath will tear away.
Belonging
Romans 12:4-6 Introduction: Today, at the end of the service, we will be welcoming new Members to the fellowship here at CLC. Leading up to that I want to share with you some thoughts about The Beauty of Belonging and how it is Experienced in Community. A biblical understanding of community goes beyond just being…
Back to Gilgal: Where God Offers New Beginnings
Back to Gilgal: Where God Offers New Beginnings Text: Joshua 4–5; 1 Samuel 13 Introduction – Have you ever noticed how God often brings us back to the same place—not physically, but spiritually—again and again? In Scripture, there’s a place called Gilgal. What is Gilgal? Gilgal was the first place Israel camped after crossing the…
More Than Sometimes
Text: Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21; Lamentations 3:22–23 Introduction: Church, today I want to preach a simple word, but it is a weighty word. I want to preach about faithfulness. Not talent.Not charisma.Not giftedness.Not emotion.Not hype.Not moments.But faithfulness. Application: And one of the dangers in the church is that we can begin to call ourselves faithful…
Resurrection Life
John 11:17-27 A Central Truth – John 10:10 Jesus not only gives resurrection and life. He is the resurrection and the life. Introduction: The theology of the resurrection is well understood and embraced by not only the believing community but also those outside of genuine faith. Transition: Let me first address Martha and Mary, who…
Wealth & Justice
James 5:1-6 Introduction: James 5:1–6 is a strong prophetic warning about wealth, injustice, and God’s coming judgment. James speaks particularly to wealthy people who gained riches by oppressing others and living selfishly. Below is a clear breakdown of the passage. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”…
Here Comes the Judge
James 4:11–17 Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Key details: ———————————————————-Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place James 4:11–17 — Humility Before…
Setting The Example
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV) Introduction: Leadership Usually comes Without someone knowing that they are leading. Paul writes this letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church at Ephesus. Timothy…