12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13) Perhaps the greatest trick the devil ever played is found in convincing us that we are anything but free. We often use our … Continue reading Mercy Wins
Month: September 2016
Unplanned Magic
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14) This is not a Carpe Diem post. While the whole idea of "seizing the day" is alluring, it is far from practical. Not every moment is an … Continue reading Unplanned Magic
The Fatherless
16 The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. 17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed (Psalm 10:16-18) I haven't been praying much. It hasn't necessarily been that I simply do not wish to, but more that … Continue reading The Fatherless
Marriage, Meaning, and the Lover of Souls
2 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) So I'm getting married. No one tells you how different this is from the whole of human experiences. The planning, the delegating, the stress over small details. Many will tout this as the single greatest event in your human experience. No pressure there. Others will … Continue reading Marriage, Meaning, and the Lover of Souls
Our “Just Cause”
3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence. 4 For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment. (Psalm 9:3-4) What is your "just cause"? That thing that that makes your heart race and your dreams come alive. I'm convinced that as saints, we all have a cause … Continue reading Our “Just Cause”
The “Whole” of Our Being
1 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2) Our faith only works at full-tilt. It requires the "whole" of us because that is all Christ can work with. The … Continue reading The “Whole” of Our Being
Ego Killer
8 The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. . . . .12 If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword (Psalm 7:8,12) What a worrisome thought to have God judge us according to our righteousness and integrity. I … Continue reading Ego Killer
Lord, Break My Grip
27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? 28 Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? (Proverbs 6:27-28) For too long I have held a forest fire near my chest. Wanting my own way, regardless of the harm it caused, I stubbornly think I know best. … Continue reading Lord, Break My Grip
The Fight of Your Life
1 O Lord, how many are my foes! … Continue reading The Fight of Your Life
The Wicked and the Redeemed
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23) There is something in all of us that wishes us harm. A little voice which urges humanity to set fire to the life we have crafted for ourselves. Maybe it's the weight of responsibility that eventually becomes too burdensome, or maybe it's … Continue reading The Wicked and the Redeemed