I was so honored to be asked to give the invocation at the Encinitas State of the City event last Thursday. The theme for the evening was “investing in the future,” and this is what I said: Good evening everyone, my name is Sam Nelson and I’m one of the pastors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, … More Gratitude, Love, and Hope

John 12:20-33 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has … More Seeds Ready For Planting

John 2:13-22 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He … More Flipping Tables For the Lord