I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10b) There is a crisp, somber air that weighs heavy on the week before Easter. It is as the environment is still vibrating from the broken and confident plea from our Lord; "it is finished". On a week meant to remember the events of … Continue reading Abundance in the Shadows
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A Criminal’s Death
One of the most beautiful scenes in Scripture is found in Luke 23:39-42. Here we find the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke includes what would be the last interaction of the God-man Jesus before the resurrection. "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! … Continue reading A Criminal’s Death
Uncomfortable Interactions
4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:4) I remember moving to Northeast Ohio and feeling like a pariah. Sure, it was 45 minutes north of "home" but the attitudes and culture are lightyears apart. Raised in the country, then making my way to a progressive college setting, I was … Continue reading Uncomfortable Interactions
Jesus was human too
This year has been interesting. I've been stretched and challenged in ways that surpass my current level of faith. My theology of 2015 will simply not see me through the current calendar year. Fear has found the cracks in my white knuckled doctrine and exploited every weakness. 6 do not be anxious about anything, but … Continue reading Jesus was human too
Flower of the Field
15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field, 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more (Psalm 103:15-16) With the risk of stating the obvious; you will die. Life is both a marathon and a manic … Continue reading Flower of the Field
Father
13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13-14) You are known by God. Many of us spend years in search of who we really are. It is in our nature … Continue reading Father
Ridiculous God
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities . . .as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:10,12) This is getting embarrassing. The incredible amount of long-suffering patience our Lord has is so counter … Continue reading Ridiculous God
He is For You
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8) God is for you. Let the weight of that sink in. Many have opinions on the nature of God, many of them are incorrect. When we look at Scripture, over and over again, we see the echoes of Psalm … Continue reading He is For You
Life in the Bonus
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103) Psalm 103 has recently been one of my favorite pieces of Scripture. There is so much about life and the identity of God cushioned between its few verses. The author's focus is always on something higher than circumstance and the everyday. … Continue reading Life in the Bonus
Grit
Grit - courage, fortitude, stamina, resolution I think one word that should define our faith is 'grit'. Following Christ for a few years has shown me that eventually the luster wears off. The honeymoon feeling experienced at the beginning has withdrawn to a more reserved daily expression. If we are not careful, our walk with … Continue reading Grit
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