Recently, I discovered the works of the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks whose writing has been a blessing to me. This is especially true of his book, “Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas: A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible.“ His reflections on Metzora were so timely for me and I believe important for everyone after a year like … More A Positive Word
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and he taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-3 I can’t escape that the first … More Living the Blessings: Jesus message on The Beatitudes
Today, is day two of our schools being closed across the nation. We are out of school, because it is our normal Spring Break. That said the kids feel ripped off somewhat and we are all feeling a little trapped due to so many things being closed until further notice. Personally, I like it when … More Prayer in a time of Virus
Once again ……… why? Another human being, a young pastor, has taken their life. Taken. That is really too polite and gentle for what it does to the people that loved him, knew him, supported him. If I sound mad then good. At least I am being clear. Suicide does not respect race, gender, age, … More Suicide, I hate you.
When all you want to do is fall to pieces is it possible to keep going? Yes, it is. What can I lean on to help me press on? … More Press On
“Everything is a mess, and I just want to start this day/week/month/life over. I can’t shake this feeling that I am a shadow of what I really want to be today. Why is everyone else succeeding with their best life and I … just feel off.” These are the words I hear and read all … More Darkness in the Light
How can we be thankful during times of suffering and acts of horror? Can God create hope in the midst of darkness? thankful time 11 from First Presbyterian Church on Vimeo.
No matter how many times I start to write I hit the backspace and delete button. Why? I don’t want to put something down that is flimsy or trite. Right now the panhandle of Florida is in the midst of a hurricane. My wife has family roots down there, my family rest and renews … More Powerful Prayers, Storms, and Hearts
In the fourth installation of this critical question “What is the Church?” we explore practice of evangelism. When someone says “evangelism” people tend to be excited or turned off with very little middle ground. I invite you to think about evangelism by asking three important questions; “Does the Bible say anything about evangelism?” “What did … More Sermon: “What is the Church?”
I don’t understand. I suppose that in many ways is a good thing, because I do not believe that we are designed to comprehend the vile sickness within someone who carries out the kind of horrors that we learned about this morning. How could this happen; again? Only this time it is the worst on … More The Violence
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 