Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
This was my presentation “Taste and See” at Bluff Park UMC this morning. What an honor to be back at one of my “home churches.” It is on FIVE WORDS that describe what is distinctiv
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A friend posted this on Facebook: It is my prayer that the United Methodist Church would stay together. I have no desire in leaving it. I feel God called me into this particular ch
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My friend shared this and I think it’s “spot on.” Here is the article: https://www.1517.org/articles/christianity-is-not-about-a-personal-relationship-with-jesus?fbclid=IwAR1M5vBL1
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw an article of cherry-picking the Bible and the anti-vax movement. You can find it here. https://religionnews.com/2021/10/04/cherry-picking-the-bible-and-using-verses-out-of-c
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A poem by Martha PostlewaiteDo not try to savethe whole worldor do anything grandiose.Instead, createa clearingin the dense forestof your lifeand wait therepatiently,until the song
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have created a new "TULIP" handout to use when teaching Wesleyan theology. This is a simplified version of classic Calvinist teaching. Why not share it here with the world? I've
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
GET YOUR VAX, PEOPLE! We are at the ER tonight, where my father-in-law has been stuck in a gurney for hours because there are 90 beds and 140 patients. - 90% of Covid patients in h
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am reading Grounded by Diana Butler Bass. I feel led to post a few direct quotes from the introduction to the book. It gives me great hope. "Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Lutheran pas
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
These are the brief remembrances I shared at the funeral service of my dear brother, Rich, on August 12, 2021. On behalf of my family, thank you all so much for your love and suppo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My younger brother, Richmond West, which some of you remember fondly by his childhood nickname “Richey,” died of a sudden heart attack early Sunday morning. He was a gifted profess
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Dear Chris, The United Methodist Church that you and I both love is facing schism. It is a matter of public record that the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA), the advocacy group
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
“A Meditation on Sauty Falls” by Steve West The water keeps coming. It keeps coming, coming, coming. Across the span of history in a way that’s timeless ... from my limited perspec
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
When I posted the attached picture on Facebook, I got a question from a friend. I succinctly responded to what I think is one of the biggest misinterpretations of Paul’s communion
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a recent post written by my cousin, Warren Hamby (the son of my Uncle Warren). It is a tribute to my courageous uncle, especially relevant for these times when there are th
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here's a word from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who wrote this in Germany during the rise of Nazi power. It is amazing how much it applies to our times: "A church of faith - even if it is
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A parishioner showed me a beautiful devotional by Oswald Chambers that has a thoughtful statement in it about prayer. I believe it, and it reflects some of my lifetime journey of s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today, I had the privilege of leading a Blessing Service for Don Killingsworth at First United Methodist Church prior to his inauguration. Joining together with three other pastors
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m a United Methodist, and I respect the faith of my brothers and sisters of other denominations. But I agree with Beth Moore. I am glad to be part of a denomination that ordains
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I woke up with this song on my mind from Sumatanga days! May Easter go with you in the coming days! Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on! Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the p
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today, I signed the "Red Letter Christians" pledge. I believe this with all my heart and life. You may want to consider signing it as well. It is time for Christians to stand up fo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I found this today in a devotional book I've had for a number of years based on the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I thought it was beautiful and expresses my thoughts on marriag
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have signed this statement from evangelical leaders from across the United States. I hope that other Christian leaders will also take a stand. We need to call out this “Christian
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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