Author Archives: Joe Chambers

I dedicated him to God when he was a chubby little bundle of joy. I helped him pray to invite Jesus into his little heart when he was waist high to me. I stood in the waters of the baptistry … Continue reading →

Then God said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah…” Genesis 22:2 The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Cormac McCarthy The Road describes the journey south taken by a young boy and his father … Continue reading →

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”   Luke 7:47 (NKJV) Several years ago, I took a group of high school students … Continue reading →

Not long ago, my wife and I drove up the hill to the driveway of the first church I served as pastor. The tires made a low crackle as I turned into the still gravel parking lot. I first drove … Continue reading →

When my mother died last fall, my brother gave me a letter I had written to her and my father when I was in college. It is yellowed and crinkled—like the skin on the back of my hand—and yet my … Continue reading →

When I became the pastor of the church I currently serve, there was not much to do. Not a lot of demands on my time. I would go to the office, return the calls, make some plans, meet with anyone … Continue reading →

But if we are willing, the experience of grief can deepen and widen our ability to participate in life. We can become more grateful for the gifts we have been given, more open-handed in our handling of the events of … Continue reading →

And he said to her, “Daughter… “      Mark 5:34 Forrest Gump is the life story of a mentally challenged man (Tom Hanks), who accomplishes the incredible with his simple reasoning and persistence. In one scene, Forrest and his childhood friend … Continue reading →

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.   Matthew 28:16  “The number ‘eleven’ limps; it is not perfect like twelve. […] The church … Continue reading →

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it … Continue reading →