Christmas in July My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. –Luke 1:47-49 … Continue reading Christmas in July
Tag: grace
Delicate Honesty
Delicate Honesty So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who … Continue reading Delicate Honesty
A New Body
A New Body While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands … Continue reading A New Body
Committed Love
Committed Love This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13 There is a popular fable about a chicken and a pig. It goes like this: A chicken wants to open a restaurant … Continue reading Committed Love
Life Note
A Street Prophet Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? James 2:5 The main campus of our church is in the heart of downtown Lawrence, Kansas. … Continue reading Life Note
A Jealous God
Life Worship Notes—January 30, 2104 “You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your … Continue reading A Jealous God
The Favor of God
Life Worship Notes—December 26, 2013 “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.’” Luke 1:46-48a This passage from Luke is the beginning of one of the most widely read scripture passages during the Christmas season. … Continue reading The Favor of God
Gratitude and Happiness
Life Notes—November 28, 2013 “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:14-15 Grandma Hildenbrand was a grateful person. She appreciated the good in everyone. … Continue reading Gratitude and Happiness
Small Gods
Life Notes—November 21, 2013 “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, not repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above … Continue reading Small Gods
Grace in an Awkward World
Life Notes—November 14, 2013 “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17 Coaches of struggling sports teams often lament the need for players to get back to the basics of the sport. Athletes learn the fundamentals … Continue reading Grace in an Awkward World
Contemplating Grace 