Rev. Richard Smith II Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. There is an abundance of literature and cultural offerings addressing the increase in stress levels for the majority of us as we have dealt with this Pandemic. …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction… As I noted back in October, one of the Bible’s most inviting insights is the call to persevere amidst life’s trials and challenges. This Biblical emphasis is not just a stoical call to persevere, but rather a call of faith; a willingness not …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:16, 18 Live in harmony with one another…If it is possible, as far as depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Paul invites us here in verses 16 and 18 to live harmoniously and peacefully with one another. He, of course, is referencing our personal relationships in life. No question …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.. All of us need cheerleaders in our lives; those people who rejoice with us and celebrate the steps of growth, development, and achievement which we accomplish. These people – whether friends or family or spiritual brothers / sisters – …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:12 …be faithful in prayer. I wrote a blog piece back in mid-January on prayer, but felt the need write again as I re-read Paul’s words here in Romans 12. In essence, I want to expand on what I said then. Let’s first admit that we can casually say, “I’m praying …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:13b Practice hospitality… While we tend to think of the word “hospitality” as referencing the way the world of commerce and entertainment treats its patrons, it has applicability to our Christian witness in the world as well. At its root, the word speaks to “the friendly and generous reception of visitors …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor. Ironically, I’m writing this post while Pat and I are recovering from the whammy of Covid. While we haven’t had it so bad that we needed outside medical attention, we have been body slammed so to speak. In a way, …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:9 Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. As Paul continues his explication of the transformed spiritual life in Romans 12, he speaks strong words about the Christian’s response to evil. “Hating” evil leaves no room for us to passively watch evil do its nasty work in our communities …
Rev. Richard Smith Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Paul’s simple assertion that “love must be sincere” is, without question, a maxim with which each of us readily agree. It’s one of those statements which both inspires and challenges. For love to be sincere, we have to be clear what we’re talking about. There are …
Rev. Richard Smith Mark 1:9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. These words from the Gospel of Mark encompass the earliest historical record of Jesus coming forth to begin his public ministry. After 30 years of growth, spiritual development, and missional discernment, Jesus walks from …