Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
I believe this wholeheartedly. The Bible calls Jesus Christ the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” There is a custom of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
To have a listen, click ONE THREE NINE. I was excited that Psalm 139 came up in the lectionary. During the early days of the pandemic, I fell in love with the jazz of Aubrey Logan.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here’s a statement from the Nigerian United Methodist Church on why they are STAYING UMC! “Our church has obeyed the prayer of Jesus in John 17:6-19 to be one. We have chosen love
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
One of the endorsers of my new book, Steve Harper, wrote this heartfelt "goodbye" to the GMC a couple of years ago. Somehow I missed this until now. I thought it might be beneficia
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have an Episcopalian friend who remarked that it bothered him that people call the Aldersgate experience Wesley’s “conversion”. He’s absolutely right. This is what I wrote in the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have decided to call it the “tax collector complex.” In Jesus’s time, the tax collector was like the “king of sinners,” the worst of the worst of the worst. Jews found them repul
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My friend Dean McIntyre shared a quote from John Wesley that is very applicable for today: "I dislike your speaking of yourselves as though you were the only [ones] who know and ta
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The lectionary gospel for this past Sunday was from John 17. In my sermon, I said something I've often said in the past couple of years. “Jesus never even mentions some of things p
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I sat in as an alternate delegate and voted all morning on the last day on General Conference! It was a joy to participate more actively. That afternoon, I was driving home from Ge
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a powerful quote I shared in my sermon on Sunday. This is a report given by a pagan official, Aristides, to Emperor Hadrian who was seeking justification to outlaw Christia
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I honor the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who gave his life today (April 9) living the way of Christ in the face of evil. Two of my favorite quotes are from “Life Together,” and ver
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I shared this week’s “Read Together” podcast for North Alabama United Methodists. Pondering the characters of Samson, Ruth, and Samuel in the books of Judges, Ruth, and 1 Samuel, i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my homily that was shared at a recent Academy for Spiritual Formation at the Warren Willis camp, a United Methodist retreat center in central Florida. Reflecting on Macariu
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here’s an inspiring word from the preaching Bible that belonged to my Grandpa C. P. Hamby. This is probably the very Bible he laid on the pulpit with two pistols nearby to ward off
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
SPECIAL LENTEN OFFER - Author Discount! Lent begins in a month, and it's a great time to plan an in-depth study for your church, small group, or personal devotions. If you are stay
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Happy day of Epiphany! Here’s a snapshot of Sandy when we were enjoying the Christmas lights at Calloway Gardens. May the light shine and unfold for you the mystery of the ages, hi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I was on an online forum where someone asked if the plans for regionalization “only affects Africa.” I thought I should share my response here. “No, regionalization would affect ev
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Have a listen to my Advent devotion for the “Pray Together” podcast from the NAL Conference. It’s on the legend of St. Nicholas (e.g. “Santa Claus”) striking Arius the heretic, on
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is an article by Greg Garrison that appeared in Al.Com, the Anniston Star, and other publications on November 30, 2023. ## United Methodist split: changing signs reflect uphea
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m incredibly honored that an academic journal based in London, Wesley and Methodist Studies, carried a solid review of my new book by Adam Ployd, formerly Vice Principal of Wesle
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This might be a record. I got nineteen minutes (count them, 19!) of their undivided attention at chapel for Kids 1st Academy today. And the best part is I got to answer the questio
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a word of grace for those of us committed to staying in the UMC and responding to continued attacks. At the end of Philippians chapter 1, Paul says: “Only, live your life i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
These were my remarks at the brief memorial service I was honored to lead for our 40th high school reunion on September 30, 2023. We met in the entrance lobby of the new Grissom Hi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have grown to detest this phrase. It carries the pretense of being loving, with the undergirding reality that we assume we are “holier than thou.” I imagine it sounds so differen
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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