Nothing's changed.


Everybody’s got somebody to lean on. –Traveling Wilburys


Recently my life took a tremendous turn in a new direction.

Out of the blue, God opened doors (and I had sense enough to walk through them) that led to me leaving the church I had served for over five years as Minister of Pastoral Care, for a new church, in a new denomination, in a new city. I’m now serving as the permanent, settled pastor to a United Church of Christ—and it couldn’t be a better fit. Big change over the course of a year.

But the truth is, nothing’s changed at all. And I had that affirmed a couple weeks ago by my new congregation.

When the official vote on my being called was complete, someone gave me the greatest compliment ever. The vote feels like just a formality, he said. You’ve felt like my pastor from the very first day you arrived [ten months ago]. And I felt the same way.

We can dicker and argue over stuff that doesn’t matter, like denominations and job titles. At the end of the day, there is only one thing that matters:

How am I treating those with whom I journey through life? Have I chosen Love over everything? Have I been the Hands and Feet of Jesus? That is a life well-lived. Well done.


Monday Pause, remember and name out loud some folks you can depend on, no matter what. Give thanks—and give them a call. Exodus 18:13-18

Tuesday Now think of those people for whom you are their rock. Give thanks—and give them a call. Exodus 18:19-23

Wednesday Look around. Someone (everyone) needs a kind word. Don’t be shy. Let your heart voice speak. Psalm 133

Thursday Time for a gut check: Who is that one person in your life whom you find difficult to love? (You know there’s someone. Be honest.) Pray for them—and for your own heart. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

Friday At the end of the month, many folks have a hard time making ends meet. Donate something to a food bank or thrift store today. Pray for the unknown recipient.
Leviticus 25:8-13

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, look deep. Where in your life have you worked not to allow Jesus to enter and heal? You know what to do. . . . John 5:6

Sunday Today, really strive to find joy, whatever your circumstance. Worship God with your whole heart and life while you still can. Lamentations 3:21-24

Maturity is when you stop complaining and making excuses in your life; you realize everything that happens in life is a result of the previous choice you’ve made and start making new choices to change your life. –Roy T. Bennett

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