Hudson WI pastor

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And they ran…

The table was set. When they entered the room everything was laid in its place and ready for the meal. Peter and John had done a masterful job. So far today had been calmer, and without much commotion. A simple sermon in the city, and catching up with old friends. After the last few days, it was a welcome relief. Now there would be a meal together - perhaps things were finally going to get back to normal.  John and…

When fear comes from a fig tree

They couldn’t believe it. The tree was dead. Like shriveled, brown and broken dead. Just yesterday it had been as healthy as could be - well except for the lack of figs that is. Jesus had wanted something to eat, and He had gone to the tree - something He had done so many times before. Only this time, there weren't apparently any figs, just the leaves; and He was none too happy about it.  “May no fruit ever come…

Telling stories

It was just another story. Of this Peter was forcing himself to be sure. Just like all the others ones he’d heard Jesus tell over the three years they had been together. Another “story” about the kingdom of God that was difficult to comprehend. It couldn’t possibly mean what it seemed to at first glance. Surely Jesus wasn’t ACTUALLY saying that this would be the end. His emotions were still running high from the whole table incident yesterday, and things…

My how the tables have turned

They’ve never seen him like this. So angry and out of control. Yesterday, everyone was happy. They loved Him and He loved them. There was a parade - and the palm branches - heck even that stinking donkey seemed to have a smile on its face. And yet, He seemed a bit “out of sorts.” Today is another story. It’s “out of sorts” in overdrive. And to be honest they’re all a little scared.  “I’ve never even seen Him upset…

Entrances are important (Palm Sunday)

Entrances are important. People spend exorbitant amounts of time planning how they will enter a room, come out onto the stage, or walk up to the plate. The music, the mood, the magic that surrounds and entrance has the power to change everything that happens after it. The tension swells. The crowd goes wild. The drop hits. Everything culminates in that one specific and perfectly planned moment - and let the party begin. Entrances are important.  This is not that.…

Opening Day

Today was opening day. A new beginning. If you haven’t met me in person, or perhaps the last time we spoke was when I was 16, you might not know this, but I am OBSESSED with sports. I spend a lot of my free time watching, playing and investing in sports and sports related activities. Baseball is high on that list. Today was the day that the 2020 season was set to kick off, with my beloved Milwaukee Brewers facing…

Stop feeling sorry

“I’m sorry.” These two words are some of the most powerful in the English language. They have the power to heal, restore hope and bring people together like almost no other combination. Used correctly there’s almost nothing those words can’t do, including undo the past, if only in an emotional or figurative manner. Being sorry is an amazing thing, and in almost every circumstance, it is something I encourage people I counsel and those I love, to do.  So now,…

At any cost

If you have ever heard me speak or read my writing before, I think what I am about to say is fairly self-evident. If you haven’t, I invite you to go back and read some of my other stuff, or come hear me as proof that I am indeed telling the truth. What I want to say is this; the truth is ALWAYS the best option. Like always.  I can already hear some of the objections. “Aaron, what if my…

No matter where you’re from

Kiln Mississippi used to be just a little nothing town in the middle of nowhere. I’m betting even the majority of the people reading this might not have ever even heard of it.    The second most famous person to ever be “from” there, is a woman named Deanna Favre. She started an organization that helps fight cancer. The population of Kiln is under 3,000 people. It’s about an hour from New Orleans, and has a rich history in the…

Get them with grace

There’s a phrase in pop culture that describes the way that people hope their kids live when they grow up, how they hope their bosses treat them at work, and how they’d like members of their families to react in their moments of weakness and mistakes. It’s short and sweet, it speaks softly - but carries a big stick. Perhaps you’ve heard someone say it. Perhaps you’ve used it yourself. “Kill them with kindness.”  At its core it’s a juxtaposition…