“For the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.” - James 1:20 Some stories put me in touch with my inner murderer. This one’s a pretty good example. Continue Reading
February 16, 2015
Pedaling Among the Weary
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. -Galatians 6:9 I’m going into training for the April Bike-A-Thon our church sponsors every year. Proceeds go to send abused kids to camp, and I’m always blessed and proud to participate. Continue Reading
December 9, 2014
Turbo Tongue
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5) James had a healthy respect for speech, and its power to bless or destroy. Frankly, it’s power I’ve come to fear. Continue Reading
November 17, 2014
In Search of Stability
“Unstable as water, you shall not excel.” -Genesis 49:4 When Jacob was dying, he called his sons together for blessings and predictions. He began with his firstborn Reuben, who should have received double inheritance and assumed spiritual headship of the family once his father passed. Recognizing his great potential, Jacob declared “You are my might, the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.” Continue Reading
November 13, 2014
Releasing Your Wounder
We’ve all got them – wounds, past injuries of the soul that still show themselves, either in the way we relate, or the pain we feel. I've learned a lot by examining my own, and those of the people I've been blessed to work with over the years. Continue Reading
October 30, 2014
As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us (repeat chorus as needed)
I’m still working on three things Jesus demands from me: that I not worry (Matthew 6:34) that I turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and that I forgive (Matthew 6:15). Strike three. I’ve never thought of myself as an unforgiving, grudge-holding kind of guy. But for whatever reason, I’m now seeing many things I just haven’t let go of. And I’m talking about old things, ancient history from childhood, or junior high days, or very young adulthood. Which is interesting, because candidly, I’ve been messed with pretty badly in recent years. In Continue Reading
August 22, 2014
James Foley, ISIS and Wrath
“For the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.” - James 1:20 You’ve seen the photo by now, maybe even the video: an American journalist kneeling seconds before his utterly senseless, depraved execution. James Foley’s murder is just the latest link in a chain of outrages committed by this monstrosity called ISIS, a group representing Islamic extremism at its worst and man at his most depraved. Swift and strategic action is called for. So is disgust, heartbreak and prayers for the Foleys, and righteous anger generating whatever Continue Reading
August 18, 2014
Armed
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. – I Peter 4:1 Continue Reading
August 1, 2014
Church Hurts
“Sometimes the person that hurt you the most, is the one you need the most.” -Author unknown Some of us bear scars that are, as my son often says, gnarly. Continue Reading
July 18, 2014
Lessons from the Apes
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes seems to be the current rage, topping box office records and offering an impressive array of special effects, costuming and makeup. We saw it last night, and I’d say its reception is well earned, since it’s beautifully acted and extremely well paced. (And the apes are flat-out amazing, conveying unmistakeable emotions with little more than grunts and facial expressions, so kudos to whoever handled the prosthetics and the actors who managed them.) I’d recommend it for those elements alone. Continue Reading
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