Contemplating Grace

Life Notes—December 16, 2010 “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.  What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”  John 1:3-5  The first … Continue reading An Inclusive Love

Life Notes—December 9, 2010 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  Luke 2:17-18  Happy Holidays!  Merry Christmas!  We want those we love to be happy at Christmas, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting happiness, … Continue reading The Roots of Joy

Life Notes—December 2, 2010 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”  Luke 2:13-14  One of the traditional images of Christmas is that of Peace.  We sing, “Sleep in heavenly … Continue reading Peace on Earth?

Life Notes—November 24, 2010 From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.  Luke 12: 48b  Thanksgiving used to be my least favorite holiday.  There were no presents, no fireworks, no Easter bunny or valentines.  I thought … Continue reading Giving Thanks and Thankful Giving

Life Notes—November 18, 2010 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”  Psalm 100:1-3  One Church, … Continue reading One Church, Two Campuses

Life Notes—November 11, 2010 “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  II Corinthians 6:6-7  In the … Continue reading Inefficient Farming

Life Notes—November 4, 2010 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.  Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.  Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.”  Luke 6:24-25.  Based upon the quote above I have much woe coming my … Continue reading Woe to Me

Life Notes—October 28, 2010 “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. …Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.’” John 8:31,32,34  … Continue reading Beautiful Truths

Life Notes—October 21, 2010 “As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness…” 2 Timothy 4:6-8a  … Continue reading Keeping the Faith

Life Notes—October 14, 2010 “Refuse to come into the presence of the Lord and not experience it.”  Harvey Carey  I love this quote.  I heard it last year at a worship conference.  I do not remember who said it, and I do not know who Harvey Carey is, but his words move me to my … Continue reading Experiencing the Presence