“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3, ESV A verse like the above can seem so inaccessible in a year like 2020. Like one friend said after last week’s post, “How do you cultivate delight … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 2 of 4
“…but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2, NRSV Stepping away from polluting voices is the first step in getting involved in spiritual transformation, but it’s only the beginning. We need something to take the place of those polluting voices; that is, something that will strengthen our … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 1 of 4
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” Psalm 1:1, ESV In his final book As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Eugene Peterson pointed out that “Psalm 1 stands before the whole Psalter as a kind of prologue. It was likely written last. … Read More
Is Church an Essential Service?
Well, no and yes. Let me explain. No. When it comes to surviving a global pandemic, where everything is temporarily stripped down to the basics—food, clothing, shelter—physically meeting in a local church is not essential. It is appropriately put on hold or done virtually. Not all agree, however—even church leaders. For example, one pastor recently articulated his anti-social distancing sentiments … Read More
What I Learned from Gordon Lightfoot, Part 3 of 3
“Writing songs is about finding the time, because it’s an isolated thing. You need to lock yourself in a room to do it, in one shape or another, whether it’s an empty house or hotel room.” Gordon Lightfoot in Nicholas Jennings, Lightfoot (Viking, 2017), 88. I mentioned in Part 1 that, among other things, Lightfoot and I share a connection … Read More
What I Learned from Gordon Lightfoot, 2 of 3
I ain’t the kind to hang around With any new love that I’ve found Since movin is my stock ‘n trade, I’m moving on I won’t think of you when I’m gone… I’ve got a hundred more like you, so don’t be blue I’ll have a thousand ‘fore I’m through For Lovin’ Me/Did She Mention My Name, ©1966, 1968, 1975 … Read More
On Human Life Spans and Windows of Grace
“Then the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not always abide in [or contend with] man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be a 120 years.’” Gen. 6:3, ESV The verse above is notoriously difficult to translate, partly because the first part of the verse is unclear (is it “abide in” or “contend with”?). Below are the two main … Read More
Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update- 052120
“If we take comfort in our own love for Christ, we are building on a sandy foundation. But if we lean on Christ’s love for us, we are on a rock.” -Bishop J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Vol. 2 (Luke) Care Net: I love the gospel and all the associated truths about how our standing with God … Read More
Reaching Those Who’ve Been Hurt by the Church, Part 3 of 3
***Part 1 made the “awareness” case. Part 2 and this week give the other nine of ten essentials for reaching those who’ve been hurt or disillusioned by the Church. For a full version of this article see here. 7) Humility: As Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5), and it’s at this point we should also enlist … Read More
Reaching Those Who’ve Been Hurt by the Church, Part 2 of 3
***Last week (Part 1) we made the “awareness” case. This week (Part 2) and next (Part 3) we get more practical, sharing the remaining nine of ten essentials for reaching those who’ve been hurt or disillusioned by the Church. For a full version of this article see here. 2) Empathy: It’s at this point that we, as believers, have a … Read More