Author Archives: Steve LaMotte
Beyond the Ten Commandments
In 2005, The United States Supreme Court heard the case of Van Orden vs. Perry. What was disputed in the case was a monument of the Ten Commandments that was on the grounds of the Texas state capitol building. The … Continue reading
Advent Devotions (Day 10) | Listen to Him
A few days ago, we looked at the story of Moses going up the mountain and encountering God. God’s presence was so real and tangible that Moses’ face was transformed. His face was so radiant that he had to wear … Continue reading
Advent Devotional (Day 9) | Lead Me Through It
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son … Continue reading
Advent Devotions (Day 8) | Peace
The post below is something that I wrote back in 2018 on here on the blog. I wrote it as something to be read while our congregation would light our Advent Candles. This past Sunday, we lit the candle of … Continue reading
Advent Devotions (Day 7) | A Strong Tower
From the ends of the earth I call to you,I call as my heart grows faint;lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe[1] Read Psalm 46 and 61 … Continue reading
ADVENT DEVOTIONS (Day 6) | On the Mountain
30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.Exodus 35:30 In Middle School, I attended church camp at Jumonville in South Western Pennsylvania. … Continue reading
Sermon | GOD IS WITH US IN OUR DOUBTS
[This is the sermon manuscript from the 12/3/2023 worship service at Avenue Church. You can watch the sermon here.] Sermon Text: Luke 1:5-25 In The Polar Express, a doubting boy boards a magical train on Christmas Eve, and is headed for … Continue reading
Advent Devotions (Day 5) | The Thin Line
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”Luke 1:38 Read Luke 1:8-38 I grew up near Pittsburgh and always heard about “the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers” to form the Ohio River. … Continue reading
Advent Devotions (Day 4) | Is It Punishment or Grace?
“The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will … Continue reading
ADVENT DEVOTIONS DAY 3 | Turn Your But Around
“In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before … Continue reading
Exiled Community 