There are few things that stir the hearts and minds of people like music. The great theologian and hymn writer Martin Luther once said, “…next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits… A person who gives this some thought and yet does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God, must be a clodhopper...
Have you ever found yourself taking part in something you felt was way above your proverbial pay-grade and thought, “HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET HERE?” I can’t even enumerate how many amazing leaders and experts I’ve encountered who have indicated that they ask themselves this question early and often. From corporate executives, to professional musicians, to community leaders, to pastors and...
“I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” I have heard and uttered this phrase countless times over the years. In my experience, the phrase falls into one of two categories. It is either funny or foreboding… Or rather, it is an attempt to be funny in order to mitigate the foreboding. The good news, in these instances, is rarely good. It is really just a slightly less ominous...
Several years ago I attended a gathering of church leaders and pastors. The intent of the gathering was to create an opportunity for us to talk about what was going on in our lives and ministries, to offer up praises for the good things God was doing, and to share our concerns and pray for one another. To be completely honest, as I walked away from the meeting that night, my heart was heavier...
Music has a way of speaking to and challenging me in ways that few other mediums do. I have a deep appreciation for quality lyrics that not only worm their way into your ears, but work their way deep into your soul. I appreciate songs that compel me to pause the progression of my playlist to repeat and process the concept or ideas that are being presented. Certain songs just hit different. They...
Weekends are the best! Who doesn’t love a good weekend?! As the rock band Loverboy so famously sang back in 1981, “Everybody’s working for the weekend!” We persevere through the day to day grind of the workweek with a growing sense of expectation as we make our way towards days of recreation, relaxation, and restoration. Weekends, even with the insanity of Sunday, are awesome! As a pastor...
Several weeks ago, I had to visit the doctor for a biennial physical to maintain certifications on my driver’s license. Let’s be honest, even in the best of circumstances, medical physicals are not experiences that most of us enjoy. They are exercises in humility as we get up close and personal with various medical professionals. You walk into the doctor’s office embracing the awkwardness that is...
I have an incredibly hyperactive mind. It is constantly spinning and processing. I actually feel a good deal of sympathy for my computer, mixed with increasing doses of rage, when the little pinwheel pops up, indicating that my computer is trying really hard to get its act together and get things moving in a productive direction. As a general rule, I believe this to be a positive thing. I tend to...
I was a big fan of professional wrestling growing up. By God’s good grace, I experienced the golden age of what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation. Many of the personalities in the WWF at that time were able to parlay their popularity in the ring into more mainstream entertainment opportunities. Guys like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and the Macho Man Randy Savage all became...
Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite monk at a monastery in Paris in the late 1600’s. Most of what we know about him comes through a small, if not timeless, book entitled The Practice of the Presence of God. As I have noted before, this small book had a profound impact on my life several years back, and continues to influence me to this day. The overarching principle of the book, the principle that...
Jeremy Myers is the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Seymour, Indiana, where he has served since 2017. He has over 20 years of ministry experience in the local church and not-for-profit work. He has a passion for helping emerging and existing generations learn to make space for each other and caring for the under-served and marginalized. In 2016, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Palmer Theological Seminary, with his thesis focusing on helping youth and senior adults develop deeper relationships. He is a passionate and gifted communicator and is regularly invited to speak at retreats, camps, conferences, and other events. He lives in Seymour, Indiana with his wife Robyn, their two children, Mikayla and JJ, and their Golden Doodle, Evie.
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