Tag: Jesus

Bringing God Into Our Running Lives

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

The following is the sermon I delivered at the start of the 2023 New York City Marathon.

***

One of my favorite passages in the Bible comes from Hebrews.  Most runners are familiar with the passage as it reads:

“Let us run with perseverance, the race set before us.”

That, of course, is what we are here to do today.  We are here to run, with purpose, and strength, using all our abilities and courage and confidence, that race, a big and mighty race, set before us.  

Continue reading “Bringing God Into Our Running Lives” →

Thinking of Roman Times…

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

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…” →

He Chose…US!

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

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!” →

Pinch-Hitting for Christ

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

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I’ll begin my sermon today by sharing some names that are out-of-date and out of season both in the holiday sense and in the sense of the sporting world.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” →

Run In God’s Name

Published on by drpaulsem5 Comments

October 30, 2022

Earlier today, I had the honor of delivering the sermon as the guest preacher at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

I am always humbled when I have the opportunity to write and deliver a sermon at church.

Next week, I’ll share a version of this message at the Interfaith Service before the New York City Marathon.

Continue reading “Run In God’s Name” →

Pizza and God

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

On February 27, 2022, I was the guest preacher at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, NJ. The following is the sermon I delivered.

***

Continue reading “Pizza and God” →

Closing and Opening Doors To God

Published on by drpaulsem2 Comments

On July 11, 2021, I was asked to deliver the sermon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

The following is the transcript of my sermon.

***

God asks a lot of us.  All the time.  He wants us to be reverent.

He wants us to love him.

He loves us…

He asks us to pray.  He even had Jesus teach us how to pray.

God wants us to follow the Golden Rule.

He wants us to be kind, to be generous, to love… to love one another as he loves us. 

He asks us to honor our mothers and fathers, to not lust, or want, or use his name in vain.

Or take false idols.

Or to kill.

He asks a lot of us.

Because he loves us.

Continue reading “Closing and Opening Doors To God” →

Praying Is Easy

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

On January 10, 2021, I was asked to deliver the sermon for the worship service at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

Here is the worship service along with the written sermon (my reading notes) below that.

Continue reading “Praying Is Easy” →

Setting A Place At The Table

Published on by drpaulsem2 Comments

Thanksgiving 2020

***

This Thanksgiving will be different from ones in the past.  This Thanksgiving might be the first one that includes the complete absence of friends, family… loved ones.

There will be smaller gatherings and many empty seats.  

There will be empty homes.  And empty hearts.

The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and the rest may taste less rich and be less fulfilling because they cannot replace the void that will be continually present on this day.

There will be an absence of voices and of laughter.  

It will be a Thanksgiving with seemingly little to give thanks for – a Thanksgiving of emptiness.  

But, it doesn’t have to be that way.  Not entirely.  

Continue reading “Setting A Place At The Table” →

NYC Marathon: Rejoice In Suffering

Published on by drpaulsemLeave a comment

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 a number of times.  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.  The first message I delivered is directly below this one on the blog’s home page.  I hope, these words inspire you and your faith as well.  

Rejoice in Suffering:

Continue reading “NYC Marathon: Rejoice In Suffering” →