I understand that people are bewildered about the state of global and national affairs. There is a feeling that we are all spiraling towards some kind of worldwide cataclysmic event. As one person shared so aptly today, “This is further proof to me that we are speeding towards the zombie apocalypse.” This was said in … More Hope is Built
With the wave like rise and decline of interest in William P. Young’s The Shack I find myself engaged in a brief questions about my thoughts on the book or current film. I do not wish to share my feelings about that creative work, rather I want to acknowledge what I hear in the questions that I … More Piercing the Pain
The power of love is limitless to those who have really experienced it. I am not someone who is prone to being “squishy’ about life nor am I frequently subject to a real bad case of “the feels.” When I write about the power of love I immediately recognize that there are those of us … More What Can Love Do?
<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/200565812″>Pray for boldness 11am</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/user40728854″>First Presbyterian Church</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/152293194″>"Living With Jesus" 11am</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/user40728854″>First Presbyterian Church</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>
What can be said and done in light of recent horrific events? As another voice in the sea of opinions I will try not to duplicate what has already been said or written. However, I am fully aware that may be impossible. So for what it is worth I will speak from my context and … More Hope for a Terrorized World
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall … More The Ever Present God
That time when you have nothing left to give and you wonder what else? Tired. When your day is filled with steps upward on a downward escalator. Beaten. Is there any sense to this madness? Hope?! A momentary hush. An unexpected silence. There tucked within is our soul’s longing. Grace. A love so deeply needed … More Grace
The Son of Man Returns
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 