Giving Thanks by Giving What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” … Continue reading Giving Thanks by Giving
Tag: God
Skeletons in my Closet
Skeletons in my Closet Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the … Continue reading Skeletons in my Closet
Third Things
Third Things All this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God; whether it is love or hate one does not know. Everything that confronts them is vanity, since the same fate comes to all… Ecclesiastes 9:1-2 A typical western way … Continue reading Third Things
The You God Sees
The You God Sees For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them only … Continue reading The You God Sees
Handling Rattlesnakes
Handling Rattlesnakes All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial. 1 Corinthians 6:1a Once upon a time, a man climbed to the top of a tall mountain. As he was admiring the view in the cold, thin air, he noticed a rattlesnake shivering at his feet. The snake said, “Please, sir, … Continue reading Handling Rattlesnakes
The Trouble with Church
The Trouble with Church And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1 I have issues with the church – … Continue reading The Trouble with Church
A Silent God
A Silent God O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God! –Psalm 83:1 I grew up in church, attending nearly every Sunday with my family. It was an expectation that I accepted, although church was never particularly meaningful to me. I assumed God’s presence and goodness, although … Continue reading A Silent God
Broken Hearts, Open Minds
Broken Hearts, Open Minds We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is open wide to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return – I speak as to children – open wide your hearts also. –2 Corinthians 6:11-13 When I was in my early teens, I was … Continue reading Broken Hearts, Open Minds
Nature and Nurture
Nature and Nurture So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! –2 Corinthians 5:17 About twelve years ago, my family went on vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was a wonderful trip and included stops in the Badlands, … Continue reading Nature and Nurture
Owning Our Sin
Owning Our Sin Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. –Psalm 32:5 I do not like to be reminded of my sinful nature. I fear that by acknowledging my sin … Continue reading Owning Our Sin
Contemplating Grace 