My goal each year is to read at least 30 books. I exceeded my goal in 2025, but it wasn’t easy for a number of reasons…
Continue reading “My Favorite Books Read 2025”
Tag: Bible
My Sermon: 12/28/25
On December 28, 2025, I was asked to deliver the sermon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
What follows is the text of my sermon.
God Bless.
***
Continue reading “My Sermon: 12/28/25”
A Simple (but profound) Prayer
A long time ago, while the disciples were sitting with Jesus, they asked him how to pray. Jesus answered them. He first told them that God already knew what was in their hearts. He then shared with them some simple words to be used for prayer. These are words that have profound meaning. We know these words as The Lord’s Prayer.
Continue reading “A Simple (but profound) Prayer”
The Greatest Story Ever!
Did you ever wait in great anticipation for a new movie or a new book? You wait and you wait and you wait – and then finally the day comes. The book arrives or you head to the theater.
And then, it all ends too quickly.
It’s over before you know it.
I feel that way reading the Bible.
Continue reading “The Greatest Story Ever!”
Resolutions and the New Year (A Sermon)
On December 31, 2023, I was provided the wonderful opportunity to be the guest preacher at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
Here is the sermon I delivered:
Today is the day when we close 2023 and look forward to 2024. Today is when we reflect on our past year and look forward to a new one.
It’s on the last day of the year that we might celebrate the New Years’ Resolutions that we succeeded in maintaining and it is also when we set our sights to the new day that tomorrow brings as well as the new hopes for us to find ways to be our better selves.
I set a goal for 2023 that I completed just a few days ago. I was able to keep my New Years’ resolution. That’s always a good feeling.
Continue reading “Resolutions and the New Year (A Sermon)”
A Smart Choice
In 2022, I determined to run every single day for a calendar year. I set out on January 1 and I ran each and every day.
I set a lofty goal, and then, through perseverance, determination, tenacity, and will, I accomplished that goal.
I ran 1,700 miles last year, or an average of 4.65 miles each and every day. I am proud that I was able to do that.
I’m now writing a book of this experience which I hope will serve as motivation for other runners and goal-setters. We can all do more than we ever imagined. You just need to set a plan and get out there and do it.
We also can’t let failure get in the way of pressing forward. I had plenty of years when I thought about and/or tried to run each day and didn’t make it. I learned as I failed from each setback.
But last year, I accomplished my goal.
Then, on January 1, 2023, I went out and ran again. I only did three miles in a new running shoe I was trying out (the Saucony Tempus), but it was three miles and the running streak continued…
But then, on January 2, I made a very sound decision. I made a smart choice. Sanity prevailed.
I didn’t run.
Continue reading “A Smart Choice”
The Best Books I Read in 2018
At the end of December, I always look back and review the books I read over the past year. I have been keeping track of the books I have read since 1989. Keeping these lists has been wonderful for it allows me to look back over the many books I have read in my adult life. Through this exercise I get to remember great passages, great themes, and great ideas. When I look back, I also remember the titles and authors I have particularly enjoyed which often brings me back to read those same books again. I love reading and believe that our lives are infinitely richer through the books we read.
Here is a list of the best books that I read in 2018 with a short summary of each. (Quick note – not all of the books listed below are pictured in the graphic.)
MY FAVORITE BOOKS 2018
NYC Marathon: God Is With Us
I have had the great pleasure and honor of sharing inspirational words with my fellow runners at the Interfaith Chapel at the start of the New York City Marathon. I find it extremely inspiring to share God’s word before the race as we all prepare for the long miles ahead. This year I participated in two services and, as such, delivered two “sermons.” I will share both of these messages here on my blog. I hope, these words also inspire you and your faith as well.
God Is With Us Today:
Dr. Sem's Blog 