Contemplating Grace

The Wilderness Way, Part 4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.[1] The wilderness way, more than anything else, is about transformation – our transformation as opposed to the transformation of circumstances or someone else. The only thing worse than going through a challenging period … Continue reading The Wilderness Way, Part 4

The Wilderness Way, Part 3 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.[1] To be intentionally led by the Spirit into an experience of wilderness is one thing, since there must be value in going through times of chaos, suffering, and feeling out of control for … Continue reading The Wilderness Way, Part 3

The Wilderness Way, Part 2 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.[1] In biblical descriptions, the wilderness is not a place one goes of one’s own volition. During the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, things got so bad they begged to return … Continue reading The Wilderness Way, Part 2

The Wilderness Way Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.[1] When I was in my late-twenties I purchased 10 acres of remote, wooded land and moved a trailer onto it as my home. I had to tame the area enough to clear space for a … Continue reading The Wilderness Way

Baptism by Fire, Part 6 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] There are a number of indirect references to baptism by fire throughout the Bible, but they can easily be missed if one is not looking for them. Some passages use fire literally; others use fire metaphorically … Continue reading Baptism by Fire, Part 6