Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
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
February is Black History Month, and we have also entered the holy season of Lent. Our United Methodist Bishops have called the church to a Lenten season focused on dismantling rac
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am so delighted to be part of a church that really believes in prayer. I love the spirituality of diligently keeping up with a prayer list as a community and lifting those names
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There is a good article that recently came out by denominational leader Adam Hamilton on the future of the United Methodist Church. It's a centrist response to those among us who a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I ran across this in a book I’m reading, and it gives me great hope. “Even when Christian culture is compromised by conformity to the values and powers of this world, we can never
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is MLK, Jr. weekend when we observe one of the great Christian heroes of our time. Racism in general, and white supremacy in particular, is something the Church must openly st
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a written version of my second Christmas Eve meditation on December 24, 2020. Because of the pandemic, we met for livestream-only worship in the sanctuary, followed by outd
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a written version of my first Christmas Eve meditation on December 24, 2020. Because of the pandemic, we met for livestream-only worship in the sanctuary, followed by outdo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a Christmas gift for you, my friends, on the longest night of the year. Blessings.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Some have asked about the quote I shared this morning on dealing with a pandemic from Martin Luther, famous leader of the Protestant Reformation. It is from an open letter he wrote
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
These are difficult times in North American Methodism. I don’t know what all the answers are related to moving forward, though I know unequivocally that I am not leaving my spiritu
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There is some new content posted in the Stay UMC website. If you are a North Alabama United Methodist, I encourage you to have a look. The website features a video testimony by Rev
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today, I spent some time with the most unlikely of roses. We have lived in our new home for over four months. As always, moving is a chore (for pastors, it's an occupational hazard
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today is my "half birthday" (my actual birthday is April 22, six months from now). In morning quiet time, I ran across this beautiful birthday blessing in John O'Donahue's To Bless
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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