Family Blog
Take It With You 09.18.2022
On the way up to Jerusalem the Disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Eugene Peterson writes, “This is the only time in the Gospels that the disciples ask to be taught.” By now, the disciples seem to grasp that prayer means developing a relationship with God, not mere ritual or religious posturing, common among […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 09-14-2022
I remember hearing folks ask, “Where were you when Kennedy was shot?” Everyone remembered…who lived in that era. I was 4 years old and watching Batman. It meant little to me at the time. Today the question is, “Where were you on 9/11?” For many of us, this is our “Kennedy” question for our era. […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 09-06-2022
As June was passing into July my sabbatical started with a personal retreat at a rustic cabin on a mountain outside of Bryson City, NC. I received very specific instructions on how to navigate the winding 1/2 mile gravel climb from the paved road to the cabin: Step 1) Put the vehicle in a low […]
Take It With You 09.04.2022
I’ll raise my hand high as a “Fixer” with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s listed in the spiritual gifts section! My guess is that many of us are “Fixers”, though some of us like to “fix” more than others. We try to fix our children, spouses, parents, teachers, politicians, co-workers, and […]
Take It With You 08.28.2022
What worthless idols do you have in your life? What do you mean? None, of course! I love the one true God and have no other gods before Him! I don’t pray to any golden calves or marble statues. I don’t worship Baal or Buddha or any other god. Sure, I might wear a cross […]
Take It With You 08.21.2022
With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of His name. Hebrews 13:15 NLT Frequently sacrifice is mentioned in the Old Testament, usually relating to offerings at the Temple for atonement and thanksgiving. The Jewish people still celebrate Yom Kippur, the most holy of the Jewish […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 08-23-2022
Are you competitive? Maybe it’s golf, bridge, sales numbers, highest grades, or even seeing how far you can get after the “low on fuel” light comes on. We all have at least a little competitive spirit in us. Growing up in the Herrmann household included playing lots of games with set rules. Play to win. […]
A Pastor’s Perspective 08-16-2022
How are you with names? Have you ever called someone by the wrong name? Well, I messed up last Sunday at the 8:40 service. Having been friends with Thomas Owen’s Dad for a number of years, I called him “John” during Emily’s dedication. We’ve all done it…..haven’t we? Be it the excitement of the moment, […]
Take It With You 08.14.2022
The beginning of school is approaching for many of the youth, and has already begun for some in college. But the end of schooling should not mean the end of learning, and we all should strive to constantly improve our own understanding. There has sometimes been, however, a reaction by Christians against what we might […]
Take It With You 08.07.2022
“Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.” Psalm 96:9 I first heard the hymn “Worthy of Worship” years ago at Ridgecrest during Music Week. Full Orchestra, many voices joined in singing, and composer Mark Blankenship leading. Worship: I thought heaven would open right there, and that […]