Below is Pastor Don’s blog, where Pastor Don shares his thoughts on Scripture, current events, and more. Make sure to check back here frequently to read more about topics we may even discuss when we meet!
I have had people tell me what I am supposed to believe regarding immigration as a follower of Jesus Christ. I find that one of the most repugnant lines of religious abuse is found in the formula, “If you follow Jesus, then you will agree with (fill in the blank)!” I see no difference between…
I play video games. As a middle-aged man, north of forty, I feel like I just admitted to being immature, unproductive, and generally juvenile. I find that video games are a good way to unwind my mind. My StrengthsFinder profile reveals that I have input, learner, and ideation . . . Meaning that my mind…
I am preaching through the parables of Matthew 13, and in Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus explains the extreme value of his kingdom through a story about a pearl trader who discovers the greatest pearl. This man, who knows a lot about pearls, goes all in and sells all that he has to obtain this pearl. Jesus…
January 2017 Dear ReCAST Church family, 2017 will definitely be an exciting year for ReCAST! We have broken ground on our new building and expect to be all moved in by this fall. However, that’s not what I want 2017 to be known for at ReCAST… I would love for this year to be the…
I do not assume that people will show up on any given Sunday for ReCAST Church. Despite the historical data that on every Sunday since April 19, 2009 people have gathered together as ReCAST Church, there is still a weekly surprise that someone came back. I say this without a shred of manipulative false humility,…
I try to wrap up the end of the year with a blog about books and resources I have read that have been beneficial for my walk with Jesus. I am not sharing these as wholesale endorsements. I am not paid to recommend anything. I find that reading and listening to good books is a…
I am writing from the warmth of a coffee shop, but outside the snow is gently falling. Forecasters are saying that it will stop gently falling and will begin ferociously falling in the next few hours resulting in a real winter for West Michigan. Some people will say “finally!” Others will say, “Go Away!” I…
So many charities, so little resources! This time of the year I am often bombarded by many excellent charities who want to kindly remind me that they are doing good work. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to use the resources that God has given me to be a blessing beyond my immediate…
This blog is not written to make you feel guilty. It is more of a confession that I will let you all in on with the hopes that it moves us all along further down the road to gratitude. So let me state at the outset, that I can be a class A complainer. Within…
Thanksgiving is perhaps my favorite holiday. I’m not a huge fan of turkey, cranberry sauce, or stuffing. Don’t get me wrong, I will still have my share of food on Thanksgiving Day, but the traditional foods are not what I look forward to most. Instead, what I look forward to are a different kind of…
ReCAST is sending a team of ten people to Uganda over Spring Break in 2017. We will be there for two weeks and the majority of our work will be leading two conferences for pastor’s, two children’s bible schools, and other various training. I am super excited that God has brought together a cross generational…
I do very little without intention. Those of you familiar with the Strengthsfinders personality tool may recognize that my combination of input, learner, and ideation means that there is a lot of my life lived in my head. And so it is with utmost intention that I have for years decorated this head with a…
