Author Archives: Pastor Kenny

James 3:13-18 reads, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual,Continue reading “Peacemakers”

The story of Jesus saving the woman caught in adultery has long fascinated me. At its core, it’s a simple story. Jesus sees a woman about to be stoned for her sin. He intervenes, teaches a crucial lesson in love and forgiveness, and as a result, she lives. But every time I read her storyContinue reading “First Stone”

Why do we criticize people? Think about it. Cause we do it. A LOT. Most of us anyway. And most of us who say that we don’t… totally do. Why do we judge? Where does the impulse come from? Why do we feel the need to interject our criticism into the lives of others? BecauseContinue reading “Cast All Your Criticism on Him”

When do I press on? When do I rest? Anyone north of adulthood knows these questions all too well. When is it time to fight the good fight, and when is it time to take a moment, take a breath and regroup? Frustration comes faster and faster these days. Social upheaval. Political division. Friends againstContinue reading “Perseverance & Exhaustion”

I’m tired. Exhausted really. And it isn’t for lack of sleep. Not exactly. I actually pulled eight solid hours of sleep the other night, which if you know me well, is something of a feat. But my brain… my brain is weary. Too much thinking will do that to you. So I’m not going toContinue reading “heart MIND and soul”

Take a moment to take account of what you’ve learned recently. Hard times deliver even harder lessons. Are you stronger than you thought you were? Weaker? What about your faith? If this week was a storm at sea, did you walk on the surface or slip beneath the waves? Which Peter were you? The discipleContinue reading “When the Worst Brings Out the Worst”

One of my favorite book series from years ago is a fantastical epic in which five heroes travel across a barren wasteland of a world, through treacherous towns and forests, towards the greatest of dangers, all in search of an unreachable tower. The main character is an old and weathered warrior, and hails from aContinue reading “You Forget Yourself, Child”

I’ve started and restarted… and restarted this post several dozen times over the course of the last week. I can’t find my words. Don’t know what my problem is. I go to where they’re always stored and… nothing. They aren’t there. Empty. And it occurred to me, perhaps it’s because they aren’t meant to beContinue reading “When Words Fail”

A Matthew 8 Bible Study I have a friend named, um, Benny. Benny Crown. Good guy, ol’ Benny. Anyway, he has a wonderful wife. He’s very blessed. But, well, poor Benny has a problem. When he isn’t doing so well with quarantine confinement, or he’s having trouble adjusting to life without the freedom to goContinue reading ““Um… Calm Down?””

Scripture is filled with images of struggling and suffering. But while we often use these two words interchangeably, they’re two very different things. When I struggle, I’m wrestling with an opponent. When I suffer, I’m losing in my fight against that opponent, and painfully so. Each one requires a different perspective. First let’s take aContinue reading “Struggling or Suffering?”

This week my wife solicited the aid of a dear friend. Their message to me? Pace yourself. I hate… hate this message. I get it, I do. I’d tell all of you the same thing. Alas, this is one of those times this well-meaning pastor is being a hypocrite. Worse than that… I know it.Continue reading “Pace Yourself!”

When did Easter become so comfortable? When did we come to expect so much? When did we start focusing on the trappings rather than solely on the things Jesus accomplished? I’ll admit, I’m having a hard time this early Easter morning. It’s 3am and I’m sleepless. Not only is this a different Easter morning thanContinue reading “An Easter Beyond Expectation”

Chances are you’ve become well acquainted with a new member of your household: your attitude. I certainly have. He sneaks up on ya. Like a walking whisper. Suddenly he’s right there, talking for you, growling, barking… who is this, and where did he come from? Unfortunately, he’s always been there. He’s been there from theContinue reading “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

I find myself thinking about the disciples this Sunday morning. Palm Sunday morning. Imagine it… Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, aligning with the prophecy the disciples had read about in Zechariah since they were children. Picture the crowds shouting Hosanna, Hosana! Hailing their Lord, master, teacher, savior and Messiah as King. What aContinue reading “Palm Sunday Panic”

COVID-19. Coronavirus. Social distancing. Stay at home. Shelter at home… The world has ground to a halt and everything – every news report, every conversation, sometimes every touch of our fingers and movement of our hands – is only one step removed from thoughts and fears of COVID-19. Sometimes it seems all we think aboutContinue reading “Is Your Brain Tired Yet?”

Welcome to the new TGSM Pastors Blog. Here you’ll be able to read messages, devotionals and other content posted by our ministry staff: Pastor Steven McCullough (Senior Pastor), Pastor Kenny Brown (Assistant Pastor and Director of Ministries, Bella Morganthal (Student Ministries Team Leader) and Pastor Matt Price (Music Pastor). We continue to pray for youContinue reading “Welcome!”