This week we celebrate our Independence as Americans. We broke off from the tyranny of the monarchy to govern ourselves 243 years ago. There is and will always be an independent streak in us as Americans. But independence is a means, not an end. We all...
The Evangelical Covenant Church is our church family. This week we are having our annual meeting in Omaha. There is important work to do and there are some issues that threaten to divide us. But remembering what unites us and holding to these things is...
 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for...
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1 Judging is deciding about people. It’s not just giving the verdict of...
More than a dozen stakeholders have been nominated by two or more of their peers to serve as an overseer at Mountain View Church. Their peers see something in them they want to follow. Now the overseers will work with them to discern whether or...
This is the first monthly "in the trenches" newsletter/blog that will be sent out by our amazing youth and Children's staff. The goal is to share what God is doing in the lives of our kids, cast  vision for the mission of our ministries, communicate...
Spiritual practices like giving, praying, fasting, Bible reading and worship are tools for your transformation. They are not requirements for earning God's favor. You will not get on God's bad side if you don’t practice them. Even where they are commanded, the God who is...
How to let your light shine by keeping your goodness a secret. (Matt. 6:1-18) “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."  Matthew 6:1 (NIV) Living freely...
When Jesus ate with unclean people without washing his hands, the religious people were offended. Once he started touching lepers and teaching gentiles, they felt something was not right. But when he violated the sabbath by healing people, they knew he had gone off the deep...
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms...
