Learning to love others the way Jesus loves us
Psalm 119:49-56 For many of us COVID19 quarantines are beginning to lift. More people are out and about, some businesses are reopening, and churches are making plans to start modified gatherings for worship. For some people the reopening of society is a relief; for others it represents a new kind of uncertainty. The cultural narrative… Continue reading ZAYIN
Nahum chapter 1. It seems like every blockbuster movie or popular novel tries to create a sequel that matches the drama and characters of the original. Most of the time, the sequel falls flat. Either the original writers don't return or there's some formula that they try to squeeze the story into or they just… Continue reading Nineveh: the Sequel
Matthew 14:14-33 At the church I attend here in Las Vegas we are working through a study of what it means to be a Jesus follower. This morning's reading included then section of Matthew where Jesus walked on water. I went back a few verses for context and I think someone who reads this may… Continue reading Take heart.
Jonah 4 So, one might think Jonah would get excited when the whole city of Nineveh repented of their violence and false religions. But no. Jonah was ticked off. Why? Because he decided the God was too gracious, too merciful, too patient, and too loving. He certainly didn't think so when he was surrounded by… Continue reading Jonah’s drama, God’s mercy
Jonah 3 Chapter 3 starts off in much the same way as chapter 1: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah." It's almost like God says, okay, let's try this again, a second chance to get it right. I am so grateful for second chances! Even in teaching, I find I improve so much… Continue reading A do-over.
Why would anyone go back to something that doesn't work?Galatians 4 Why Jesus? Why did he relinquish his divine authority and be born as a human to live in an oppressed population under the Roman government? Paul says it plainly, " to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might receive adoption… Continue reading Why go back?
For the next few days I will ponder the book of Galatians. Paul opens this letter with his credentials. As a scholar, I understand the importance of leading with my resume. If people are going to pay attention to my scholarship, I have to demonstrate my expertise early. That demonstration is also tailored to the… Continue reading Galatians
January 15 Good works are always to be part of the believer's life (James 2:14-36). So what is the difference between people who try to do the right thing and believers who walk in the will of God through their work? I think it is a matter of motivation and resource. The natural inclination of… Continue reading Rooted and grounded
Ecclesiastes 4 starts off with Solomon's distress over oppression and his recognition that humanity would never see the end of it. He saw that power and envy are the root of all oppression. This got me thinking about social justice. It's become a buzzword in our culture with plenty of talk about it, but no… Continue reading Ecclesiastes 4
He stands at the window, looking as far in the distance as his aging eyes can see. The road twists away to his left, toward a trade route that branches out in all the directions of the wind. As always, the road is empty in this early morning hour, just before the sun breaks the… Continue reading Solitary
Defaulting to Grace 