Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:36:26 -0600WeeblyTue, 14 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-14-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 14, 2026
In Sunday’s Sermon, I mentioned Rob Bell’s book, “Everything is Spiritual.” In the book, Rob gives a description of his first time giving a sermon. He wrote, 

“I had heard people give messages and teachings and sermons over the years. I usually didn’t find them that compelling. But this, this SPIRITUAL TALK THING I had stumbled into—this was part guerrilla theater and part performance art and part recovery meeting and part poetry and part subversive rhetoric. I was captivated.”

For Rob, preaching isn’t just one thing. There is complexity, or at least there should be. All you need to do is read scripture, and in one moment you’re reading beautiful poetry and in the next you’re being smacked upside the head by a prophetic message. And then on the next page, it is something wildly different. Some people have found it strange that I have preached as a pirate, offered a sermon as a Distrustworthy Car Salesman, did one in the form of a letter like we had received something directly from the Apostle Paul, and there was even one I did while throwing a pot on a potter’s wheel. Maybe these were strange, but so is the Bible… in a really wonderful and transformative way. To share the Gospel with our wonderfully diverse and wacky world with only one approach and one voice would be a disservice to this world. The standard was given to us in scripture, and now we only need to think with the same level of creativity.

Continue to inspire us as we contemplate the different ways and unique voices by which we can share your Gospel with the world, O Lord Jesus. Amen.
]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-13-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 13, 2026
Prayer for the Week: 
Paul called us Fools for Christ 
   Fools in the ways of Christ 
   Fools because of Christ. 
Holy God, you call us to be foolish 
  not idiots 
  not to purposely make poor choices 
    but to stand in the world 
      while representing you 
        and the very counter-cultural 
          life of Jesus. 
    We look foolish 
      as servants of Christ
        entrusted with your holy mysteries. 
    It is hard work, 
      yet you understand. 
    The world pushes back - 
      Toxic religion
      Unhealthy institutions
      Powers and Principalities -
        they cannot thrive 
          where the love first life is lived. 
    The world pushes back 
      Calling us foolish
        unrealistic 
        not willing to play the game.
  With your help 
    we won’t play that game.
  With your help 
    we will strive to look foolish 
      as we put love first. 
Amen
]]>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:37:18 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-12-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 12, 2026
Guest Writer: Rev. Becky Winders
God's Sense of Humor
When I contemplate God's sense of humor, my thoughts drift back to the quirks and giggles woven into my life growing up in a faith-filled household, I came to realize early on that divine intervention doesn’t speak in Charlton Hester’s or Morgan Freeman’s voice—it sometimes whispers through laughter, mishaps, and the unexpected moments that shape us.

Perils of not being Baptized:
As a child, I was consumed by the fear of not being baptized. Sunday school lessons painted vivid pictures of heaven and hell, and I became convinced that my lack of baptism was a one-way ticket to an eternal sauna and I hate being hot. While my friends daydreamed during sermons, I was plotting how to secure my spot among the saved. I was sure I was on the naughty list. At 8 years old, I may have been a little confused about Santa and God.

My chance finally arrived one Sunday night. The next thing I was literally walking that long walk to save my soul from eternal damnation.  My mother, the church organist, had no idea that I was going to take that walk. But as I began my walk — the music abruptly ceased. All eyes turned to my mother, who looked very startled. Years later, whenever I hear Don McLean’s "American Pie," especially the iconic line, “the day the music died,” I am reminded of that walk to confess my sins. 

The baptism itself was no less memorable. As the minister held me up because I was tiny and would have been under the water, his grip slipped and I took a real dunking to the bottom of the font. A collective gasp swept the congregation. The minister recovered and pulled me up, but my gasping and stunned expression became legendary. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I decided that it took a real dunking to get rid of my sins. I sensed even as a child that God was sharing in the joke—a reminder that even the holiest of moments aren’t immune to laughter.

More recent moments of Humor:
One Christmas Eve, I went to the midnight service with a friend, Mary David.  Mary is an obstetrician and was on call.  As we approached the moment of Christ’s birth, she got a message from her voice pager.  Throughout the church all heard “Mary please come to Labor and delivery.” It was the best timing ever. To this day that story is retold every Christmas Eve.

God often must remind me not to be so caught up in myself.  My very first experience as the Worship Leader, I was caught up in being perfect.  When I was saying the Words of Institution, I forgot to break the bread.  Instead of just letting it go, I announced to the entire church over the microphone “Oops I forgot to break the bread”! Then reached over and broke the bread…..I really wanted to suck those words back into my mouth.

I had the honor of saying the Communion prayer at the Maundy Thursday service this year.  I wrote a beautiful prayer about the real “Last Supper”.  It was eloquent filled with fancy words (so not me).  When I got up to say the prayer, I opened my binder and unfolded the paper. To my horror I was looking at the receipt for our retreat at Camp Gonzo.  So, I prayed from my heart and decided that God had put me in my place to just be myself. God had “smacked me upside the head”.  

Finally, the funniest moment, at a time that I was being petty and very human.  I had just set up communion. Another church member walked and did not know I was sitting in the empty church. She rearranged the table and then said something about the table. It really hurt my tender feelings. I walked out of the sanctuary angry.  I went to Holy Grounds to get some coffee and said just under my breath, “God, please get me out of this mood, I don’t want to go into worship with these ugly feelings”.  At that moment (…wait for it…) my smart watch announced, “I’m sorry I am not able to help you at this time”.  I burst out laughing and forgot the hurt and anger.

Conclusion
Looking back, these moments shaped my perception of God’s humor. The anxieties, the halted music, the baptismal blunder, botched Communion—all taught me that faith isn’t about perfection, but about embracing the unpredictability of life with humility and laughter. God’s sense of humor nudges us, to see the irony in our seriousness, and to find joy amid our worries. Today, I cherish these mishaps as gifts. They remind me that embracing faith means accepting its missteps, and its laughter. In the grand design, God’s humor is a gentle teacher, helping us smile and accept our imperfection. . I am filled with joy that God loves me “Just as I am”. And if the music ever stops again, I know now to listen for the punchline.

I found this prayer and loved its earthiness and realness (gotta love that first line):

Prayer for Good Humor
by St. Thomas More
Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest.
Grant me a healthy body, and the necessary good humor to maintain it.
Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good
and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil,
but rather finds the means to put things back in their place.
Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments,
nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called “I.”
Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humor.
Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke to discover in life a bit of joy,
and to be able to share it with others.]]>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-11-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 11, 2026
Tomorrow, we continue with our series entitled: Show Them The Exit. For a church that celebrates an open door and a true spirit of hospitality, it feels a little counterproductive to give a title to anything that suggests we are showing someone the door. All jokes aside, over my years of ministry, I have met too many people who have literally been shown the door by their previous churches. For a whole host of reasons, too numerous to list here, people have been asked to leave. In two cases, I know people who were escorted out of worship and told never to come back, and it wasn’t because they were doing anything disruptive in worship. Cypress Creek Christian Church has become the home for many people who have been kicked out of previous churches, and for that, I am thankful. 

Our theme that began last Sunday with Easter is really about helping people who find themselves, for one reason or another, stuck in a tomb… a figurative tomb, though figurative does not make it any less real, frightening, or hopeless. And for many people, help showing them the way out might require them to find their way into worship or some other experience of the church. In fact, there are times when it might take a whole segment of the faith community to help someone get unstuck from the tomb and find liberation beyond the entrance/exit (depending on where you are). 

As the Apostle Paul suggests, baptism is a dying and rising with Christ. It is both an experience in the tomb and joyous liberation from the tomb, but baptism is not something we do to ourselves. Oh, sure, I got into the argument with a guy who put forth the scenario of an individual being stuck on a deserted island, and if that person wanted to be baptized, then that person could self-baptize. OK, for all those caught on deserted islands who might be reading this Etching, I provide full permission to do self-baptism, but for the rest of us, it is a passive experience. And though a minister might actually do the baptism, that officiant is only acting on behalf of God—a God who seeks to lift everyone from the tomb and into new life. It is a symbol of what people of faith will hopefully experience again and again and again. And for those who are needing a little help, the church—also called the Body of Christ—can point people in the direction of the exit, which is in fact an entrance into new life. 

Thank you, O Holy Giver of new life and tomb-exiting power. There aer so many tombs that might seek to hold us, attempting to drain us of hope and joy, we pray for the resurrection of Jesus to be our inspiration and our source of conviction. No tomb is our destination. This is our faith; this is our belief. Amen.
]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-10-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 10, 2026
The other night, Donna and I caught the movie Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek. It was a look at the Nuremberg Trial and much of what went into preparing for the trial.  Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Crowe), the second in command of Nazi Germany, was being brought to trial, but the United States wanted an Army Psychiatrist, Douglas Kelley (Malek), to watch over Göring and other prisoners. Toward the end, Kelley and Göring are having a conversation, and Göring says, “Years from now, I wonder what you will say about us. Will you even acknowledge we were human?” There is this tendency to strip the humanity from those who have committed what can only be described as evil in this world, often demonizing them or comparing such individuals to the devil. For most of us, it is nearly impossible to imagine what would bring people to commit such atrocities, and for that reason, we reach for an otherworldly explanation. Yet what the movie tried to do, at least my take, was to continue to keep before the audience how a group of human beings were behind everything in Nazi Germany, and equally important, we are, as a species, always capable of such brutality and suffering. Those who disregard what human beings are capable of doing will inevitably face another Nazi-like movement. This movement will exploit fear, scapegoating some marginalized part of society, as its tactic to gain power. As followers of Jesus, and as concerned human beings, we must remain vigilant in our awareness of those who seek to manipulate fear and exploit insecurities to seize power. When such actions go unchecked, one group is inevitably crushed in the process.

Holy God, O Living Christ, there have always been those who lose sight of what is good, just, and righteous in their pursuit of something other than your vision for creation. Give me the wisdom and insight to be able to name my own weaknesses and fears that can so easily be manipulated. Provide me strength by which I can be bold and speak truth to those who seek power at any cost. Amen.
]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-09-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 9, 2026
Many people are eager to pack up Easter the day after, much like Christmas. While I understand the desire to anticipate May Day, for those who know what it is, the Christian Calendar includes an entire Season of Eastertide. We transition from Eastertide on Pentecost Sunday, which falls on May 21st this year. Throughout this current season, there are numerous stories, both from the scriptures and within tradition, that recount encounters people had with the resurrected Jesus. One of the best known comes from Luke 24:13-16, where the resurrected Jesus encountered two people along the road to the village called Emmaus. The two men did not recognize Jesus, yet he opened the scriptures to them. In the end, the two men extended an invitation to Jesus to join them in a gesture of hospitality. As the stranger broke the bread, the eyes of the two men were opened, and they recognized the stranger as Jesus. My hope for each of us is that this season will offer us more than just a fleeting moment of joy and celebration. Wouldn’t a genuine and transformative encounter with the Living Christ be more beneficial to our faith and, consequently, to the world we inhabit?

Make yourself known, Lord Jesus! Open my heart to your presence this day, a presence that embraces me with love and calls me to live that love in the world. Amen.
]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-08-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 8, 2026
Though I focused this Easter on Matthew’s telling of the resurrection story, I have always liked a line from Luke’s telling: “But Peter ran to the tomb. When he bent over to look inside, he saw only the linen cloth. Then he returned home, wondering what had happened” (Luke 24:12).

After the women gave witness to the resurrected Christ, Peter hightailed it to the tomb where he found an empty burial cloth. I sort of nod my head every time I read what occurred next: Peter returned home wondering what had happened. Now if it had been Bruce instead of Peter, it probably would have read something similar, like, “...and Bruce wandered off scratching his head” or “...he clearly didn’t have a clue what had occurred.” I chuckle because I want to believe that my response would have been noble, memorable—a poetic expression that generations to come would have been required to commit to memory because of its sheer beauty. Instead, it probably would have sounded like, “Aaaa... that’s weird.” There is a tendency among Christians to read the stories of those who underperformed when it came to faithfulness, and to think, “I sure wouldn’t have done that.” But if I am truly honest with myself, there is a good chance that I would have been equally unimpressive. These are the moments when God’s grace is impressive and appreciated in spite of our slow-growing awareness and enthusiasm. 

Today I give thanks for the faithfulness and the witness of the women who came to the tomb. Merciful God, I am especially thankful for your faithfulness and gracious witness when my life does not resemble the lives of those women who went to the tomb at first light. Amen.
]]>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/april-07th-2026ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 7, 2026
Guest Writer: Rev. Becky Winders
Why We Dress Up in New Clothes at Easter
Reflections from Childhood and Faith
Easter has always been a time of renewal and celebration, marked not only by the promise of spring but also by cherished traditions. As a little girl, I looked forward to wearing a new dress, a pretty hat, white gloves, and new white shoes on Easter morning. These new clothes were more than just fabric and accessories—they symbolized a fresh start, a way to honor the significance of Christ’s resurrection.

On Easter morning I awakened around 2:00 a.m. and saw my easter dress hanging on my door.  I do a lot of thinking and talking to God in the wee hours of the morning.  Actually, I often think that this is Jesus’ sense of humor because it is probably the only time I am truly quiet. Looking at my new clothes made me remember Easter as a child.  I don’t remember thinking about the meaning behind my new clothes then.

As I lay there, I realized that dressing up links us to Easter's deeper significance. After attending the Maundy Thursday service, I was deeply moved by the story of the woman who anointed Jesus with oil. Though criticized by the disciples for her perceived extravagance, Jesus defended her actions, saying in Matthew 26:10-13 “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.  When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” This story reminds us that acts of devotion and celebration are not wasted; they honor the sacred moments in our lives. 

Wearing new clothes at Easter symbolizes the resurrection and new beginnings celebrated during the holiday.  It echoes the idea of renewal—just as spring brings new blooms and fresh beginnings, we too mark the occasion with something new. The tradition is a joyful expression of hope, respect, and gratitude, reminding us to cherish the most meaningful moments and spiritual truths.

I wore a new yellow dress on Easter to signify a life reborn in the love of Jesus. The yellow represented the warmth and optimism associated with the sun, as I participated in the sunrise service.   Yes, I spent some money, but I did it to honor Jesus and signify the new life he had given us.  I wore new shoes to signify the clean feet after Christ washed the disciples’ feet.  Washing feet was the ultimate way to not only show humility but service to others.  Yes, and I wore a fascinator, a small hat-like adornment with bows and flowers.  I debated whether to wear it or not but I decided that the adornment represented the crown of thorns traded in for a ring of new fresh flowers which also represented the evilness of the thorns that resulted in the beauty and deep meaning of the resurrection. As a child I wore white gloves.  My mom told me that it signified that my hands were clean from sin because Christ died for my sins.  I did not wear white gloves…I’m not sure if you can still buy them.  

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the cross and the love that saved me. Thank You for the empty tomb and the life that now fills me. Because You live, I have hope, joy, and peace. Help me walk in Your light and share Your grace each day. Instill in me humility and service. Remind me to put love first in all things.
Amen.
]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-06-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 6, 2026
Prayer for the Week:
In a world filled with violence and unhinged threats of violence; in a world where too many children experience suffering that is easily avoidable if there were even a semblance of justice and compassion; in a world lost to a dance between arrogance and a delusional lust for power, how can we proclaim that your great gift of love was raised from the dead? How do we pretend to believe in the power of resurrection and new life? Holy God, Eternal and Sovereign One, it feels as if we are lying to ourselves and that our so-called beliefs are fantasy at best. Where is this hope being reborn? Where is new life and renewed love changing hearts? Where are the broken and marginalized finding sacred welcome? Yet amidst everything that would suggest it’s time to toss in the towel and join those who believe love and kindness are for the suckers, something tugs on us; something whispers for us to keep believing and keep living into those beliefs. Perhaps we could give it another day, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of all those who are desperately hoping that someone with a bit of Christ-like character will speak up… maybe it is those of us who are offering this prayer. Maybe it will be enough for a hint of grace to be made visible in this world. Maybe… we can hope. Amen.
]]>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.pastorfrogge.net/daily-devotionals/04-05-26ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 5, 2026
Easter Sunday
Good morning, people of the resurrection and even those who aren’t too certain about this whole resurrection thing. It’s all good, because at the end of the day, resurrection is not so much about making a claim as it is believing and living that claim. I can make the theological statement that Jesus, the one crucified and buried, was raised from the dead, but at the end of the day, so what? I’m not trying to be dismissive here, but I am more interested in the power of resurrection that is all around us. Jesus being raised from the dead was, in my opinion, not a one-time event. It was a clear and dramatic statement of who God was, is, and will be forever more. And that power of resurrection is transforming situations of death all around us, and for that reason, I pray for more hope and faith in this world… hope and faith that life can be born out of the most dismal and dire of circumstances. Yet it is hard for this world to know and experience resurrection if people have not oriented their lives toward the possibility. May this Easter Sunday provide more of us an opportunity to glimpse it, embrace it, and then live as partners with God in the realization of resurrection in this world. 

Glory be to you, O God whose love is no match for the grave. All glory be given to you, O Gracious God who continues to bring life out of death, joy out of sorrow, and hope out of despair. What a gift you are and what a gift you give. Amen.
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