Well, it is my resolution to write an article (or at least a thought) for the encouragement, challenge, edification and maturation of my own congregation each week.
Since it is my usual practice to preach expositionally through scripture (translation - from one end of a book to the other), I sometimes find an orphan thought that is worth sharing but that doesn't have a platform from which to be shared. So rather than filing these thoughts for preaching in 2021 (or never), I thought I would try to develop a few things here.
That's where I would appreciate your help. While I have many little thoughts to jot down, I would welcome your suggestions or questions. Is there something you've been wondering about drop me a line and I'll see if I can't offer some thoughts from scripture.
Finally - you might wonder where the strange title came from? Well, it's the view I get when I look out my home office window. Way back in 1813 when Aaron Culver first established a couple of mills on the Lynn River, the community that popped up around those mills was called 'Culver's Swamp'. I doubt they put up a sign with the name on it, and I don't think they chose the name intentionally - but for a number of years the Town of Simcoe had this ignoble monicker. From a theological point of view, I think its helpful to be reminded that we are living in a fallen and broken world - a 'swamp'.
God is a redeemer. He takes what is of no value to anyone and makes beautiful and whole and complete.
Not only so - he invites us to become pilgrims, knowing that this world is not our homes - and as beautiful as this world may appear at times - there is a place prepared for us that transcends our greatest imaginations.
So for now - I look through my window at Culver's Swamp - but one day, I will look on glory.