Month: March 2018

35 Jesus wept   - John 11:35 There should be room in our theology for sadness. We look at the stories of Jesus, and we see an encompassing array of emotions - more than one might expect. If we are not careful, our faith and how we communicate it to others can become so easily become … Continue reading Jesus Wept →

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of … Continue reading A Father’s Broken Prayer Life (5 Months) →

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets … Continue reading How Saints Suffer →

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God - Matthew 5:9 In these upside down teachings of Jesus we find a hole in our theology of peace. It is easy for us to be so entrenched in nationalism and self-preservation that we miss how revolutionary the peace of God is. … Continue reading Peace is the Engine of God →

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. - Matthew 5:8 As we continue our examination of the Beatitudes of Christ's most famous sermon, we reach a seemingly impossible and upside down statement today. What great effort it takes to become pure at heart. Perhaps when we were younger, a child … Continue reading Pure at Heart →

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. - Matthew 5:7 Today we continue our look at the upside down teachings of Jesus in His most famous sermon. Christ mentions 9 blessings that run counter to how we think and challenge us to live upside down lives. Mercy is beautiful. When we understand … Continue reading The Upside Down Art of Mercy →

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on … Continue reading Middle Fingers, Traffic, and Life Lessons →

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied - Matthew 5:6 Today we continue our study of the monumental teachings of Jesus. Perhaps there are no greater lessons than His nine Beatitudes. These teachings are upside down from what we expect. Today we find one of my favorites … Continue reading When You Were Young →

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth - Matthew 5:5 Redemptive conflict can bring incredible peace. Yet, unchecked conflict easily destroys relationships, careers, and ultimately planets. As followers of Jesus, we are to be not only carriers of peace, but carriers of conflict resolution. While many of us run from disagreement, … Continue reading Meek Means Being Okay With Being Wrong →

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted - Matthew 5:4 The Beatitudes of Jesus are essentially nine blessings found in the most unusual places. They run counter to what we often cling to as being strength. In many ways, the teachings of Jesus are foreign to us. This is for our … Continue reading The Comfort Found in Mourning →