Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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From a casual reading of Luke 8:19-21, one might mistakenly assume that Jesus is harsh or somehow dishonors His family. “Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’” Luke cites two other occurrences which “seem” even more provocative. In chapter 9 several men expressed interest in following Jesus. Take n...
I appreciate living in the modern age as an American, we have so many connivances and advancements in technology including electricity, lights, heating, cooling, running water and sewer, transportation, internet services, and so much more. Others are less fortunate around the world, so we should keep this in mind. Many incorrectly assume Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. While it is true that in 1878, Thomas Edison first patented the incandescent lightbulb to become commercially available, the invention of the lightbulb belongs to Humphry...
Last week in the Look What the Doctored Ordered series, based on Luke’s account found in the New Testament, I brought forward the idea that Jesus was a world changer. Jesus was “revolutionary” or often “counterculture” in today’s terms. He was somewhat radical but not so extreme, where He discounted the core truths of Judaism. Jesus did follow many Jewish practices and aspects of the Law; however, He came to fulfill the messianic prophecy: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them...
When we take the time to read AND understand the Bible, the implications of Christ’s teachings are powerful, turning cultural barriers upside down. The first-century community was deeply immersed in staunch traditions and religious jargon, portions of this ideology Jesus challenged with simplicity. In Luke 8 we read one of many parables that Jesus utilized to communicate a simple message, most know this as the parable of the Sower. I would point out that this could be better understood as the parable of the Soil. “While a large crowd was gat...
In last week’s column, I presented or reiterated a core principle of being a Christian, self-denial. Jesus embodied this to the greatest degree and if we are to follow Him, we learn to practice the discipline of self-sacrifice daily. As humans, we are born into a world that is driven by self-interest. The first stages of our life are predominantly “dependent.” This means that as infants, we require complete dependency on others, and parents and caregivers give endlessly day and night. Self-interest fades in various ways as we age; in time,...
For the entirety of the summer, I’ve been exploring two of pastor and author Kyle Idleman’s teaching series with many great friends. As we go through life learning what it entails to be a Christian the Bible emphasizes perseverance and the development of a “never quit” attitude. As a pastor, my goal is to create and cultivate disciples of Jesus, not to produce posh parishioners. Jesus exemplified what it means to be self-sacrificial, and if we are to be Biblically guided, we too will “take up our cross daily” (Matthew 16:24) and practice de...
Marla Runyan is an American athlete and former Olympian distance runner; her life story is remarkable. She was the first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympics, placing 8th in the 2000 1500m Sydney Games. However, her physical impairment didn’t stop her from reaching goals or pursuing a dream. Her self-described running strategy was to be “Focused on the blob of bodies ahead of her, to try and get in front of the blob.” Most of us are fortunate to have most of our faculties; in fact, you’re reading this article and are not blind....
You may have noticed the 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway. This tradition dates back approximately 3,000 years to the Peloponnese in Ancient Greece. This year, there are 45 sporting events with more than 200 representatives from various nations. Go, Team USA! Writers in the New Testament often used illustrations or themes associated with Olympic events, and they understood the relevance closely associated with Christian life. Over the past few weeks, I’ve dedicated this column to examining Hebrews 12 in-depth, “Therefore, since we are...
Who among us hasn’t thrown out a cliché or two? Merriam-Webster defines cliché as “a trite phrase or expression.” Some clichés are untimely, and others can be inappropriate for a situation. In Christian circles, clichés are common and, at times, can be misguided. Some include “Let go and let God,” “When God closes a door, He opens a window,” and one that I particularly refrain from using: “God will not give you more than you can handle.” In my opinion, the last phrase is far from the truth; life is filled with challenges or hardships. The Bib...
The Bible portrays Christian life as a long-distance race, and sprinting is a poor example due to its short time span. It seems to me that in the 80s, many of my proteges looked to sprinters as the “jocks,” but I recall that notion changing as long-distance runners started breaking the four-minute mile. Any long or short-distance, dedicated runner who trains hard is an amazing athlete. Soon, the Olympics will have our attention as records are shattered and the competition is formidable. Because God intends the Christian’s journey to be a life...
We all love heroic stories of individuals who gave their all. Sadly, after last week’s historic event of the attempt to assassinate former President Trump, Corey Comperatore gave his life to protect his family in the crossfire. Some heroes pay the ultimate price. Recently, I came across an unknown named Florence Chadwick; she was a long-distance swimmer who successfully crossed the English Channel both ways. She was the first woman ever to accomplish this feat. In 1952 Florence set out to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast, a g...
I grew up in the era of the “Bad News Bears” culture, iconic movies that inspired the underdogs to keep in the game. Most people like an inspiring story because the topic resonates in our lives differently. You may have been one of those kids who was awkwardly picked last on the school playground. Or you might be self-conscious and strive to over-achieve because you received little or no affirmation. My point is that we need someone in our corner to encourage us not to give up. In time and with age, we have learned that life is much more tha...
Jesus provides us with an illustration in John 15:1-4, which helps us understand the value of connection. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” God is understood to be like a...
Early this spring, my wife and I met with some arborists regarding some trees that needed attention at our home. I’m not a tree guy or even a green thumb; gardening is Dina’s thing. I generally get to “do” the other stuff: install, fix, or adjust the sprinklers, build a planter, remove the tree stump, etc. I learned some valuable information about our trees and their growing behavior. Proper pruning is done for the tree's health; improper pruning creates unhealthy behavior. One tree is being robbed of water and nutrients because of some su...
We live in one of the most “connected” ages. Technology allows us to communicate with others in places worldwide instantly. However, there are certain disruptions that we all deal with, such as dead zones, battery loss, weather interference, and more. Do we possibly rely too much on technology? Regarding spiritual development, connection is basic and must remain a priority for growing in Christ. Jesus spoke to the matter in John chapter 15, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit...
MYTH: The Town of Whitehall has taken too long to address the matter. Although this process has been long, dating back to 2014, here are some facts to consider: 1. After the Court Order by DEQ in 2017, a two-year study was conducted with engineering firms to find other well options surrounding the Town. Public Works Manager Kory Klappan monitored and took samples, hoping to find a viable source for the Town of Whitehall. Interestingly, the only aquifer below Uranium DEQ standards was east of town, which runs down the Whitetail Creek by the...
As human beings, we “feel” a gamut of emotions as we journey through life. As a 53-year-old man, life is much different than when I was 35, I get tired easily and don’t always have as much gusto. Family has always been a priority for Dina and me, we’ve invested love and time into our four wonderful children, and each one is unique. We are entering the “empty nest” years these days and just became first-time grandparents in the fall. Our youngest daughter has graduated from High School, and transitions are happening around us. Like so many oth...
Week 3: Myth- The Town of Whitehall is bilking residents for water/sewer/garbage. Here are the facts: 1. The Bond Council have set the rate increases with the Lien Holders that the Town must comply with to receive funds. Again, the increase it only because we have loans to repay. The town is not “pocketing” the money or using it for any other projects. 2. Whitehall current monthly base rate is comparable to many other towns in our vicinity. For example: • Three Forks $83.75 (water/sewer) • Manhattan $88.00 (water/sewer) • Boulder is currently...
It was 1989, and I was in Helena, Montana, at a great restaurant, Frontier Pies. After enjoying dinner and of course, some pie I exited the parking lot with a friend in my 1979 Mustang. I turned right, shifting through the gears, and to my shock, about a block later, all I saw was oncoming traffic in both lanes! I immediately pulled a U-turn; this was necessary. Horns honking in the background and the dismay of other drivers caught my attention. Having never driven much in Helena, I was unaware of the one-way street. I most likely missed the...
Myth: The Town of Whitehall could have budgeted for the new water treatment facility. Here are the facts: 1. The Town of Whitehall has an approximately $293,100.00 annual water budget. This is the ONLY budget that would have been allowed to pay for any items related to water. Currently, those funds pay for equipment, facilities, maintenance, public notices, unexpected repairs (broken water lines), a portion of employee wages, etc. Budget planning is held each year, and we are hard-pressed to stay within this small budget to simply operate....
Have you ever been in a setting and observed the difference between an individual’s sincere emotion and pseudo-emotion? We all must be cautious about “reading” people because sometimes our take may be off; however, there are moments when we can truly “read the room.” This occurs in Luke 7 when Jesus is invited to Simon the Pharisee’s home. Jesus had an ability, unlike others, to understand the intentions of the heart. Simon was a cold-hearted keeper of the law, evident by his hidden motives towards the sincere woman washing Jesus’ feet...
Myth: Uranium in the Town of Whitehall Water is due to mining operations at Golden Sunlight. Here are the facts: 1. Uranium in the Town Hall of Whitehall is naturally occurring, having been in our valley’s aquifer for multiple decades. In fact, wells outside of town limits also contain levels of uranium. 2. In 2014, DEQ notified the Town that we must be placed under quarterly monitoring for exceeding newly adopted levels of uranium set by State and Federal Governments. In 2015 and 2016, uranium levels exceeded multiple months. In January 2...
Humans can distinguish between 2000 and 4000 different odors. Some have a heightened sense of smell and can distinguish nearly 10,000 types of odors; they are supposed experts in the wine and coffee industry. I would like to claim expertise in one of my favorite fields, chocolate, but if you follow my logic, I could be more of a consumer than a professional who distinguishes the various succulent odors. LOL! Other odors are not glamorous to discuss, especially dirty and smelly feet. Over the centuries, innovation has brought breathable shoes an...
It’s almost summer, the weather is getting nice, and it’s time for some outdoor BBQ. Maybe your plans include inviting guests for a meal and conversation in the weeks ahead? Last week, we had two separate occasions like this with friends and family, which was very enjoyable. Have you ever had an unannounced guest or party crasher show up at your home? Dinner can get quite awkward, can’t it? Certainly, being hospitable is challenging if this occurs. In Luke chapter 7, we see a rather interesting setting where Jesus had a dinner invite from...
Hindsight is everything someone once quipped. Looking back at circumstances, we can gain a greater appreciation or come to a better understanding. However, when in real-time, some matters can be confusing or completely misunderstood. Christians today have the luxury of hindsight when it comes to Jesus Christ because we have the Bible in our hands, and most accept the tenets of faith about His birth, death, resurrection, and Messiahship. This luxury was not always shared in the 1st century, even by His followers, including Thomas and, at times,...
