Pastor Catherine Burnette

Hands on the bible

Focus on Faith – Being different is a gift

Growing up in Central Illinois I became part of a feud that is prevalent here. I am not talking about the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s, although maybe there are feuds between families in this part of the world. I am talking about the Cubs verses the Cardinals. Baseball season is upon us and the rivalry is out there in full force. I happen to be a Cub fan, which does not necessarily have the biggest fan base around here. With St. Louis being closer than Chicago, the Cardinals manage to gain the most support amongst my fellow Central Illinoisans. But I grew up a Cub fan with my Grandmother and Dad watching the Cubs faithfully.

Bible and lily

Focus on Faith – Faith doesn’t mean controlling God 

I believe there are some Christians who may have a misunderstanding of what faith is. There are some that think if they have enough faith, God will do whatever they ask God to do.  So when a crisis comes up, they try to move God into action with their faith.  When an emergency comes up, they try to use faith like a rope to slip around God’s neck to force their will on God.  And when disaster comes, they try to use faith like a button they push to nudge God into action.  And when God doesn’t respond the way they expect, they become disappointed with God and feel like God has let them down.  And for some, when God isn’t doing what they think God should do, they stop praying, reading the Bible and even coming to church.  

Focus on Faith

Focus on Faith – Dr. Seuss and Sam-I-Am

One of my favorite children authors was Dr. Seuss or Ted Geisel. When you look back at his books it is easy to see that although Dr. Seuss never thought of himself as an exemplary Christian, his storytelling did have a Christian orientation.