In this multi-layered passage we’ve been considering (Luke 10:38-42), Mary is our example in both her listening and, specifically, in her listening to Jesus. And this brings us to our final and most important point for 2021: Jesus tells us that Mary shows us a better way to live. (42) A close friend casually looking at this story has often … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 3 of 4
In considering, Luke 10:38-42, Mary not only listened, Mary listened to Jesus. Indeed, that’s no small thing but it’s, regrettably, wildly misunderstood both inside and outside the Church. In thinking about the Jesus that Mary listened to, it’s essential to let his invitation below wash over, refresh, and inform our understanding of what it means to follow Him: “Come to … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 2 of 4
“Loves first act is to listen.” Theologian Paul Tillich In considering the story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10:38-42, our first of three points is that Mary listened. This might seem like something too simple to mention, but, honestly, given the racial and political division we’ve seen over the past year, I can’t think of anything more … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 1 of 4
I want to take you with me on a very personal journey over the next month, one I hope has the potential—given the collateral damage of 2020—to bring healing to your heart, relationships, and our communities. More on that next week, but this week I want to give you some background. Last year at this time, my mom and I … Read More
A Few of My 2020 Favorite Things
What a year! As a whole, I wanted this post to be commemorative, informative, and encouraging going into 2021. I would be remiss, however, not to acknowledge the pain of those who’ve been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and, especially, express my profound sorrow for those who’ve lost loved ones to the virus. Our family lost two friends (one very close … Read More
A Simple Way to Love Your Neighbors
For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:19, NLT This verse captures the heart of God in the gospel and the responsibility of all Christians to be His ambassadors. Although there are many things about the holidays we love, … Read More
Healing Our Divide
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Jesus (Matthew 5:9, NIV) In the evangelical, pro-life culture I serve in, I have some of the best of friends. Politically, we don’t always see eye-to-eye; in fact, sometimes it can seem like we’re on different planets. BUT… we love and trust one another and, post-election, we’re trying … Read More
Reading Genesis 1 with Saint Augustine
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3, NLT I love Genesis 1 and one of the cool things about … Read More
Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update- 112520
“As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both … Read More
Changeless as the Sea
Pam, I, and our dogs had a wonderfully healing vacation in the Outer Banks the first week of November. One night she captured the great picture of the moon above. It goes so well with a song I wrote many years ago that I thought I’d share the lyrics with for you the holiday. Although I wrote it on July … Read More