Posts by Tim Severance
Changing to the NEW
I enjoy new things, don’t you? New sweaters. New socks. New books. New family members. Every Christmas you probably receive something that is new to you. We recently passed into the new year 2023, so people are making resolutions to start something new. It could be losing weight, eating better, saving money, etc. It’s exciting and promising! Many times “New” comes with “Change.” And change is what is sometimes hard to do. I don’t like to CHANGE my phone even How COVID has affected us
DISTRACTIONS
Focus on the Team – Part 3 This month we are wrapping up “Focus on the Team” with part 3, Distractions. We’re going to be talking about distractions that occur in the Christian life. If you missed part 1 and part 2, you can read those on my blog, Writer’s Block. Just a little recap before we just into this month’s topic. Using a baseball comparison, Christians make up a team which is the church. Our coach is Jesus Christ and He is our How COVID has affected us
Focus on the Team – Part 2
Who Is Our “Team”? I wrote last month about Aaron Judge and his New York Yankees. Aaron was laser-focused on his role on the team and their goal to win baseball games. (Update: The Yankees made the post-season playoffs and are currently leading their best-of-seven series against the Cleveland Guardians by 1 game to none.) The New York Yankees, aka Bronx Bombers, are arguably one of the most successful sports teams in the United States. They have won 40 American How COVID has affected us
Focus on the Team – Part 1
On Monday, August 29, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hit his 50th home run of the season. He leads the MLB in home runs this year as the Yankees pursue the World Series pennant. The post-game interview went like this, “It’s just another number,” said Judge, who was intentionally walked twice Monday before going deep. “It’s great, but I’m kind of upset we lost. It’s a close game we could’ve won.”“I’m not downplaying it. I just don’t like How COVID has affected us
Loss to Life
Tears were shed. Suppressed sobs echoed throughout the room. The minister spoke words of comfort as family members and friends sat quietly ruminating on their loved one. A faithful father or mother, loving brother or sister, exiting this life into the next. The loss is palpable and long-lasting for those left behind. No amount of condolences nor homemade meals will take away the pain. It must be endured for months, even years to come. You may have endured the loss How COVID has affected us
I like Chocolate, and you?
In 1983, Christian singer, Steve Tayor, asked “Whatever happened to sin?” Seems people were doing whatever they wanted without any concern as to what God wanted. Not that this is anything new. Since the beginning of time, we have seen a steady erosion of the concept of sin. The word “sin” in today’s modern world has become a word either relegated to the church or used only as a joke. Sin is seen as old-fashioned and outdated. It’s not really relevant to How COVID has affected us
Celebrate
Celebration! This weekend our country celebrates the declaration of independence from Britain in July 4, 1776. In addition to our freedom, we have much to celebrate as Americans. What do we have to celebrate as Christians? Let’s take a quick look at scripture. There are Biblical reasons for celebration. Celebrate when others celebrate Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Celebrate when good things happen to your neighbors, family, and friends. Lift them up with encouraging words. Give them a gift. Throw a party! Just celebrate with others who How COVID has affected us
Is God Calling You?
Has God called you? Maybe you think, “No, God hasn’t called me. God hasn’t called me to become a missionary. Or to give away all my money. Or to move across the country and start a new church.” Does God always call us to do “big” things? Or does he sometimes call us to simple, mundane acts of service? Like visiting a lonely shut-in. Or inviting someone over for dinner? Or attending church every Sunday? There are several examples in How COVID has affected us
Apps for Spiritual Growth
Bible app – Without a doubt, my go-to Bible app is the Bible by Life.Church. Bobby Gruenewald and his team had the brilliant idea of putting the Bible out free of charge in a digital format in July 2008. Today the app features 2,062 Bible versions in 1,372 languages including audio Bibles and over 800 Bible plans to encourage daily Bible reading. The Kalkaska Church of Christ uses Events in the Bible app each week to share sermon notes, announcements, and much more. Get How COVID has affected us
Help! I’m behind in my Bible Reading!
Each year our church encourages everyone to read through the Bible in a year. It requires a lot of discipline and dedication over a very long period of time. Many begin with the intention to read all year long only to find their progress bogged down as they encounter the books of law in the Old Testament. This is unfortunate. And it doesn’t have to be this way. The Bible is unique and unlike any other book. Most books are read How COVID has affected us