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”
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!”
Words matter.
Kindness matters.
Love matters.
This evening I received a message, just a few short sentences, that made my day.
Continue reading “Words Matter. Kindness Matters. Love Matters”
Yesterday they buried my brother-in law- and my best friend, Mark. After a beautiful service, we drove to the cemetery, prayed during a brief graveside service, placed flowers on the casket, and said our goodbyes. We then returned to our cars and went to a repast.
And then life goes on.
Or it’s supposed to.
And it will, of course, but it’ll never be the same. It can’t be. How can anything be the same when a huge part of one’s life is missing?
I’ll turn to see Mark, and he won’t be there. I’ll think of something funny to share, but he won’t be there to share it with. I’ll think of his unqiue sayings and instead of laughing, I’ll feel am emptiness inside because I’ll never hear those words, from Mark at least, ever again.
We’re supposed to move forward – and we do. But it’s never the same.
Continue reading “Loss & Sadness and God & Jesus and Hope & Faith.”
There was this idea trending a few weeks ago that men think about the Roman Empire on a daily basis. Many found this to be an amazing thing. Many wondered, aloud, “What could these men possibly be thinking about related to the Roman Empire? Why would people think about the Roman Empire today?”
Continue reading “Thinking of Roman Times…”
I had the privilege of serving as the minister at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, NJ on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
The following is the sermon I delivered:
THE CHOSEN…
Have you ever looked at a common word and thought that it was spelled incorrectly? You see the word, you can read it but it just doesn’t seem…correct.
I remember being in high school, probably not paying much attention to the teacher, and noticing the word “exit.”
I simply didn’t look right.
But it was, of course.
Sometimes words, properly spelled, don’t look right.
***
Continue reading “He Chose…US!”
On December 11, 2022, I delivered the following sermon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, NJ
***
I’ll begin my sermon today by sharing some names that are out-of-date and out of season both in the holiday sense and in the sense of the sporting world.
I promise this will all come together…
Eventually.
Continue reading “Pinch-Hitting for Christ”
As I chronicle my recovery from Achilles Surgery along with my quest to get in the proper shape to run another marathon, I am pleased to report that I am making great progress.
Continue reading “Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 25) – They Call This Progress!”
The other day I was making a congratulatory video for a great young man about to graduate from medical school. This soon-to-be doctor is going to be amazing. He is one of the best young people ever. I have known him for a long time as I was his principal when he was in middle school.
Time and life pass too quickly. I cannot believe he is now almost a doctor.
One of the special joys and delights of being an educator is seeing the great people your students grow up to be. I knew this child was going to be very successful. Even when he was ten-years-old, he was something special.
As I recorded the short video message, I shared what I hope is the most important advice he receives as he heads off to a successful practice.
I have told this story before, but it is one I love to tell. It needs telling, as well.
Especially in these times.
One of the most wonderful ministers of all-time, a pastor who preached from the heart, made church interesting, and even made God accessible, had moved on from our church.
There was an emptiness. I felt it deeply. The minister who had left was a man I admired greatly. I was thrilled that he had been the man who married my wife and I. We all missed him greatly…
Dr. Sem's Blog 