Glorious Joy Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8 The theme for the 3nd week … Continue reading Glorious Joy
Tag: grace
Giving Thanks by Giving
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
Selective Understanding
Selective Understanding The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young – let the wise also hear and gain in learning, … Continue reading Selective Understanding
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
Never Forget
Never Forget This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19 One tragic moment can turn life around, in ways so painfully new; But in our sorrow, in a thousand ways, we will remember you… Excerpt from Never Forget I work in the air-medical transport community and … Continue reading Never Forget
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
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
Finding Grace in an Imperfect World
Finding Grace in an Imperfect World Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. –Hebrews 4:16 “We live in an imperfect world. Movies, television shows, and novels inspire high expectations for life, but reality seldom flows like a … Continue reading Finding Grace in an Imperfect World
Enigmatic Faith
Enigmatic Faith Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. –Matthew 5:11-12a In his book, A Hidden Wholeness, Parker Palmer writes, “The deeper our faith, the more doubt we must … Continue reading Enigmatic Faith
Contemplating Grace 