“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) The tomb is empty. Jesus conquered sin & death. Jesus rose again & is preparing the way … More He Chose Us…
For each of the last 10 years during Holy Week, I read and reflect on something I wrote on Good Friday the Easter after God turned our eyes toward this new chapter of life… Good Friday – 2011 Thank You for today, Father. Thank You for what you did for us today. Thank You for … More Good Friday Reflection…
What is your distraction? What gets you off-task or misdirected? Paul continues to teach us how to MODEL God’s way of living so we can SHOW the world the hope, love, grace, mercy, redemption, and Truth he offers. In verse 35 Paul writes, “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, … More Undivided
Paul dives headlong into sin and the repercussions of sin (very specifically, “sexual immorality”). Unfortunately the church is sometimes blind about the seriousness of all sin and its consequences in our lives and how that affects the Gospel message that we are called to live out as Christ’s ambassadors to the world. Paul was concerned … More Pay Attention
We live in a society filled with double-standards…Double-standards are EVERYWHERE. Often we find that, as a people, we are very lenient with ourselves (or those like us/those we like), but very judgmental of others (or those we disagree with). Double-standards seem to be the rule. If we “zoom out” and begin to look where our … More Double-Standard
What does it mean to be a “loyal supporter”? A “true follower”? An Apostle? In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul both challenges and encourages the church in their “follower-ship”… By “navigating the gray” in a godly way, we are able to stand boldly, but lovingly, for God’s Truth in all walks … More Follower-ship
Red State vs. Blue State…Liberal vs. Conservative…Us vs. Them. We see in society the results of setting up false dichotomies. In an “us versus them” society, anyone who doesn’t agree with you, think like you, look like you, etc. is your enemy. Life isn’t meant to be lived that way because we are ALWAYS going … More Navigate the Gray
We live in a society that is so divided and divisive…Is this how it is supposed to be? This can’t be what life and society are supposed to be about, can it? Unity, wholeness, oneness are written into the character of God. Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again so that we “may all be … More Whose Idea WasThis?
There is too much division in this world. We all have a role to play to heal the division and bring unity. How can we seek unity with “those people” who don’t see things the way we see them? Does fighting/arguing fix anything? What do people see when we fight? What is God’s definition of … More Love 1st. Love in the Middle. Love Last.
(Just a beautiful picture and a thought to ponder…) On “sides” we find… Anger. Hate. Intolerance. Fear. From one “side” we can’t see the faces of “the other side.” Therefore, they are not human and, therefore, deserve to be treated inhumanely. ————————————————– “In the middle” is where we find… Truth. Love. Joy. Patience. Tolerance. Perspective. … More In the middle…
