Learning to love others the way Jesus loves us
Where grace endures. I am currently working through Jennifer Rothschild’s excellent study on the minor prophet, Amos with my ladies Bible study. When the women’s ministry settled on Amos for fall I was both intrigued and excited. Intrigued because the minor prophets don’t have the touchy-feely vibe most weekday women’s Bible studies want (I long… Continue reading Undivided loyalty
The Olivet Discourse Part 1 Context Jesus had just pronounced woes on the religious leaders and lamented over Jerusalem. He began with the temple, in all its glory and beauty. The temple was the centerpiece of Jerusalem, the center of Jewish culture, and the symbol of the Jewish God. TheTemple was built between 537 BCE… Continue reading Matthew 24 My Teaching Notes
The Church in the US and much of the West is broken. It has been broken by teachers and pastors who sought recognition and fame. It has been broken by church attendees who stay for the music, but leave as soon as the teaching gets serious. Cultural Christianity (churchianity) focuses on blessings instead of trials and boasting instead of truth. The Church in the US, for the most part, has moved away from worshipping the righteous and holy God who created all things and holds all things together, replacing the Father with a national identity and the human leaders they elect.
Matthew 5 Mourning is exhausting. The emotional toll it takes seems to be much greater than any physical task. Perhaps it is because physical work has an end in sight and a finished product. But mourning? It feels like wave after wave of grief without end. Mourning is a time when we need to draw… Continue reading Joy comes in the mo(u)rning
Matthew 5:5 Mourning is more than sadness. It is the gut-wrenching wail of devastation and loss. It is the same Greek word used is Revelation 18 when Babylon falls and the people realize there is nothing left of the great city. Mourning is the attitude of the prodigal, the repentance of Job, and the cry… Continue reading Blessed are they who mourn
Romans 1:11-12 When I started this blog I planned to use it as a place start thinking out loud about a book I want to write. My concept was a book for church people on the need for grace toward parents of prodigals. Too often I have experienced judgement from my brothers and sisters in… Continue reading Mutually encouraged
Psalm 119:129-136 Psalm 119:136 I love the map app on my phone. I like knowing immediately how to get from point A to B and about how long it will take me to get there. But sometimes I think we need to look at old school paper maps. I'm not quite old enough to remember… Continue reading PE
Lamentations 4 and 5 Lamentations 4 and 5 with Proverbs 3. You, O Lord, reign forever; Your throne endures for all generations. (Lamentations 5:17) My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments. (Proverbs 3:1) So, when things go bad, we just need to learn the lesson God intended, repent… Continue reading The Lord still reigns
Lamentations 3 When times are hard, even the faithful suffer. As long as we are in this world, whatever disasters strike, from pandemics to wars to natural catastrophes, we can expect to endure along with all of humanity. The prophet in Lamentations (presumably Jeremiah) described his own suffering with the people under the Lord's judgement.… Continue reading This I call to mind
Lamentations 2 and Proverbs 21, 25 " Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:2-3). "The Lord has done what He purposed; He has carried out His word" ( Lamentations 2:17).… Continue reading Lamentations 2
Defaulting to Grace 