Finding Grace in an Imperfect World Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. –Hebrews 4:16 “We live in an imperfect world. Movies, television shows, and novels inspire high expectations for life, but reality seldom flows like a … Continue reading Finding Grace in an Imperfect World
Enigmatic Faith
Enigmatic Faith Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. –Matthew 5:11-12a In his book, A Hidden Wholeness, Parker Palmer writes, “The deeper our faith, the more doubt we must … Continue reading Enigmatic Faith
In Search of a Tingle
In Search of a Tingle Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” –Exodus 3:5 Last week, my daughter and I were hiking a few of the trails around Sedona, Arizona. A local person told us that there were several … Continue reading In Search of a Tingle
Christmas in July
Christmas in July My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. –Luke 1:47-49 … Continue reading Christmas in July
Christian Values: Love
Christian Values: Love I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34a-35 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce … Continue reading Christian Values: Love
Christian Values: Justice
Christian Values: Justice Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten … Continue reading Christian Values: Justice
Christian Values: Service
Christian Values: Service Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free. -- Ephesians 6:7-8 You're gonna have to serve somebody, It may be the devil or it may … Continue reading Christian Values: Service
Christian Values: Peace
Christian Values: Peace Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 The importance of peace in Christianity can hardly be overstated. Of the many desirable characteristics the Bible encourages, only three are referenced more frequently, according to research done by Ben MacConnell on Christian values. In both the Old … Continue reading Christian Values: Peace
Christian Values: Happiness
Christian Values: Happiness For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold … Continue reading Christian Values: Happiness
Christian Values
Christian Values For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young – let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and … Continue reading Christian Values