Contemplating Grace

Life Notes—September 23, 2010 “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.  But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and … Continue reading The Weight of Success

Life Notes—September 16, 2010 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.  For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt.  I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.  Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician there?  Why then has the health of my poor … Continue reading The Unredeemed Reaping of an Imperfect World

Life Notes—September 9, 2010 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?  Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than … Continue reading Lost, but Loved

Life Notes—August 26, 2010 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”  So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can anyone do to me?”  Hebrews … Continue reading In ??? We Trust

Life Notes—August 19, 2010 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.  But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done, come on those days and … Continue reading Letter vs. Spirit

Life Notes—August 12, 2010 “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division!”  Luke 12:51  One of my greatest pleasures is a peaceful evening at home.  Sitting on the deck with a cool breeze passing by.  Watching a brilliant sunset.  Listening to the serenade … Continue reading Peace and Chaos

Life Notes—August 5, 2010 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.  By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”  Hebrews 11:1-2  … Continue reading Faithful or Faithless?

Life Notes—July 29, 2010 “And he said to them, ‘Take care!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’”  Luke 11:9-10  Things of Value Jesus is speaking with a man in a crowd who is concerned about the division of his family inheritance.  … Continue reading Things of Value

Life Notes—July 22, 2010 “So I say unto you, ‘Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.  For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.’”  Luke 11:9-10  A few weeks ago … Continue reading Wishful Praying

Life Notes—July 15, 2010  “But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?  Tell her then to help me.’  But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted … Continue reading The Most Needful Thing