thoughts on life and faith
A common theme in Scripture is the notion that we should not be "anxious" nor shall we "worry". I was reminded of this the other day while listening to the radio. A local news station was running a promo teasing their 11'o clock special on how YOUR kids could be recruited into ISIS. Apparently, this … Continue reading Our God is Fear
"There is only one thing I dread: not to be worthy of my sufferings." Fyodor Dostoevsky It is Monday, and on Monday's we suffer. We long for a kinder gentler weekend colored world of yesterday only to have our dreams dashed by a 9 to 5 burden. I start with a quote from Dostoevsky because I … Continue reading You Are Worthy
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1) Unity is a lost art. With a cloak of social media and bursting self righteousness, many have looked to use criticism as a default. I feel better when you feel worse. The art of disagreeing in love is buried among countless tweets and posts. … Continue reading The Politics of Unity
10 Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) There is a deep connection between being still, and being useful to God. Working with teens, I have seen an overwhelming busyness that has leaked through from culture and families. This generation has traded in rest for useless busy. Yet it is the call … Continue reading Work Hard at Not Working Hard
I'm not entirely sure that God has a plan for your life. I know this sentiment could be considered blasphemous to many but hear me out. I've seen many live as if life was some sort of rubix cube or riddle. That if they pray enough, read enough, attend church enough, they will somehow unlock … Continue reading Does God Have a Plan?
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever (Psalm 125:1) How do you define sterngth? For many, we live by a Darwinian philosophy of "might makes right". The loudest voice, the speaker with the most gusto, gets celebrated. We are afraid of looking weak or unsure. … Continue reading Break From the Fear Cycle
10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. (Matthew 9:10) Recently I watched a great clip of social experimentation where the host, an African American comedian, went into the heart of KKK country to interview and relate to … Continue reading Recline With Trump
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with the perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1Peter 1:18-19 Much about working with … Continue reading Futile Parenting
13 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow ant the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14) I have been … Continue reading Be Weird
Monday gets a bad wrap. While we celebrate Saturday and even Sunday, Monday looms like an impending dental appointment. Some have tried to circumvent this by making Sunday the start of their week - very spiritual. Perhaps in this fallen world, Monday serves as a reminder of our sinful nature - that we are broken … Continue reading Business Monday, Naked Friday
Matt simon blog 