“Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence…’I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me … More Living the Dream

“So [Esau] swore to [Jacob], and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” – Genesis 25:33-34 TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING: Genesis 26-28:5 If you have a sibling, you have to appreciate the relationship between Jacob and Esau. The two brothers seem to … More A Bowl of Stew

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will … More Blessed to be a Blessing

“The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.“ – John 1:14 I was saddened, but not surprised, on December 23 when Laurie Hodges posted apicture to Facebook of Valentines candy on the shelves at Wal Mart. In our ‘hurry up and wait” society, … More On the Third Day of Christmas!

“She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 With just a few more shopping days left until Christmas, we look forward with great hope and joy to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Jesus was the long awaited Messiah who came to save us from our sin. It is … More The Name Above All Names!

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” – Luke 1:46-48 Confession: I am not … More Adeste Fideles

“‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” – Matthew 3:11 Do you know someone who counts down the days until Christmas all year? Children always seem to … More Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus!

“Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14 Now that the turkey has been eaten, the decorations are out, the shopping has begun, and I have watched Christmas Vacation, I am ready for the season … More O Come, O Come Emmanuel

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1 This is the time of year we stop to give thanks. Next Thursday, many of us will gather around the table with family and friends as we enjoy a wonderful meal for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has always been one of my … More Give Thanks

“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5 For the last few weeks, we have been talking about a vision for where God may be leading Royston First United Methodist Church as we focus on ministry in our community and beyond. You have heard some of the ideas that have been discussed in … More Crossing Into the Promises of Tomorrow