Contemplating Grace

Life Notes—September 29, 2011 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when … Continue reading How God’s Love Prevails

Life Notes—September 15, 2011 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.”  Psalm 22:1-2 Through my teen years and into my … Continue reading Unanswered Prayer

Life Notes—September 8, 2011 “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.  And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree in the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not … Continue reading Good vs. Evil; Us vs. Them

Life Notes—September 1, 2011 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.  We love because he first loved us.”  1 John 4:18-19  I am allergic to poison ivy.  When I was a child my father … Continue reading Facing Fear

Life Notes—August 25, 2011 “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.  For what will it … Continue reading Repentance and Grace

Life Notes—August 18, 2011 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12: 2 The past couple of days have been rough at work.  I chair a committee of … Continue reading What is Good?

Life Notes—August 11, 2011 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You … Continue reading Designed for Fabulous

Life Notes—August 4, 2011 “Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him…The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, … Continue reading Limping With Jacob

Life Notes—July 28, 2011 “Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you?  Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”   Psalm 85:6-7  It has been too hot and too humid for too long.  These are the dog days of summer.  My phone’s dictionary defines them … Continue reading In Need of Revival

Life Notes—July 21, 2011 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.  But the Lord God called to the man, and said to … Continue reading Where Are You?