Contemplating Grace

Life Notes—October 15, 2009  “…Take care!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”  Luke 12:15                                    Sometimes I get totally obsessed with wanting something.  Not needing it, mind you, just wanting it.  Often it is not some inexpensive item either, but a major … Continue reading Possessions

Life Notes—October 8, 2009  “Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”  Proverbs 3: 9-10                                    Did you hear the one about the preacher who was asked how he decided the amount to give … Continue reading First Fruits

Life Notes—October 1, 2009  “But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” 1 Timothy 6:9-10a                                    Well, I am glad I’m not rich enough to … Continue reading Contentment

Life Notes—September 24, 2009  “As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches; but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, … Continue reading Richness

Life Notes—September 17, 2009  “But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.  He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’”   Mark 9:34-35                                    As I prepare to write this week’s … Continue reading Servanthood

Life Notes—September 10, 2009  “…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, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.”   Mark 8:34-35                               … Continue reading Humanly Divine Things

Life Notes—September 3, 2009  “They were astounded beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”   Mark 7:37                                    It is often said that we are born with a God-shaped hole in our being and much of our lives are spent trying to fill that … Continue reading A God-Shaped Hole

Life Notes—August 27, 2009  “For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly.  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:21-23                                    Jesus went on this diatribe in response to a group of Pharisees and … Continue reading Heart-washing

Life Notes—August 20, 2009  “So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’  Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”   John 6:67-69                                    One evening when I was … Continue reading Nowhere Else to Go

Life Notes—August 13, 2009 “…as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20 I am not one to spend a lot … Continue reading Imperfect Praise