How Did I Miss That? Part 21: Sin is its own Punishment Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you. John 5:14c In my opinion, there are a number of misconceptions about sin. First and foremost is that sin is offensive to God. We are created in the image of God, and … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 21: Sin is its own Punishment
Category: meditation
How Did I Miss That? Part 20: The Enemy is Within
How Did I Miss That? Part 20: The Enemy is Within Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2 When I was growing up, there was a popular comedian named Flip Wilson. … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 20: The Enemy is Within
How Did I Miss That? Part 19: Worshiping ≠ Following
How Did I Miss That? Part 19: Worshiping ≠ Following Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there my servant will be also. John 12:26 Twenty-one times in the four Gospels, Jesus says, “Follow me.” Clearly, Jesus sought for followers. In order to follow, we must commit to two types of action, … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 19: Worshiping ≠ Following
How Did I Miss That? Part 18: Exclusion Leads to Implosion
How Did I Miss That? Part 18: Exclusion Leads to Implosion And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples – for there were many who followed him. Mark 2:15 I am not fluent in astrophysics, so forgive my pseudo-scientific musings, but … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 18: Exclusion Leads to Implosion
How Did I Miss That? Part 17: The Power Behind Powerlessness
How Did I Miss That? Part 17: The Power Behind Powerlessness But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 17: The Power Behind Powerlessness
How Did I Miss That? Part 16: Meekness is not Weakness
How Did I Miss That? Part 16: Meekness is not Weakness Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Among the definitions for the word meek are docile, spiritless, obsolete, and overly submissive or compliant. These do not sound particularly holy, given that Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth. … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 16: Meekness is not Weakness
How Did I Miss That? Part 15: Brokenness Leads to Wholeness
How Did I Miss That? Part 15: Brokenness Leads to Wholeness The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 The egg shell must be broken at the right time for the chick to emerge. The caterpillar must be broken and bound … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 15: Brokenness Leads to Wholeness
How Did I Miss That? Part 14: Marginalized Lives Matter
How Did I Miss That? Part 14: Marginalized Lives Matter “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 14: Marginalized Lives Matter
Paul Wrote the Book of Love
Paul Wrote the Book of Love Love is patient; love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13 4a,b My latest book, Paul Wrote the Book of Love: Reflections on 1 Corinthians 13, will be available this Sunday in the FUMC-Lawrence office, and is available now on Amazon, at ContemplatingGrace.com, or directly from me. It is an insightful … Continue reading Paul Wrote the Book of Love
How Did I Miss That? Part 13: The Language of God is Silence
How Did I Miss That? Part 13: The Language of God is Silence Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10a Words encapsulate and narrow our lives. If we are not talking to someone, our internal dialogue is running rampant. If we are not interrupting the speaker, we are planning how to respond … Continue reading How Did I Miss That? Part 13: The Language of God is Silence
Contemplating Grace 