Category: Christian Living
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Fire is Free
I was listening to a message by Rob Bell a few years ago and someone posed the question to him, “Why do people drive for hours to be a part of Mars Hill.” His answer was profound and simple: “People will drive from miles around to see what’s on fire.” Very true, isn’t it? When…
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Towards Simplicity
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free, ‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gain’d, To bow and to bend we shan’t be…
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Overstanding God’s Word
The book of James will punch you in the face. Repeatedly. This passage from James 1 came up at our retreat last week and was freshly illuminated to me. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it…
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Nativity, Defined
Nativity – the process whereby someone becomes a native. Christmas is one of the most confusing holiday’s on the planet. It’s half religious and half a celebration of solstice. The secular vs. religious scales have tipped back and forth over millennia. That’s a historically accurate tension. If you are feeling it this year. Welcome. You…
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Why did Jesus come here?
It’s a perfectly logical question for this time of year. The incarnation of Jesus: God becoming flesh in the form of a baby. St. John covers this pretty good in chapter 1 of his gospel account. Here’s a hint: It didn’t have anything to do with Christmas. How do I know that? When Jesus was…
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Perspective
That’s what 2010 has been about. My life was turned upside down multiple times in the past 12 months. All of which I’m entirely grateful for. Haiti – On January 12th, as news flooded in that much of Port-au-Prince had crumbled in an earthquake, I prayed a crazy prayer. I asked God to comfort those…
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Abram’s Call: An advent monologue
[Lights up] [The main character, Abram, walking his dog through his middle class neighborhood.] [His phone rings, the ringtone is Usher’s OMG] [Abram bounces his head to the song as he pulls the phone out of his pocket.] [Abram’s glances at the caller ID and stops cold. He raises his eyebrow for a brief second,…
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The Strategy Gap
Wanted: Christians willing to love neighbors. Pay: None. Experience required: None. Training: None. Location: Work from home. Starting date: Immediately.
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Are you willing to love your life?
I’ve gotten a fresh round of criticism lately and most of it flows back to a single source: There are people so grumpy that it annoys them that I am happy. It’s as if we’ve grown so accustomed to whining about everything that we now have decided to whine about people who aren’t whining. Maybe…
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Resetting Priorities
I’ve been thinking about this concept of priorities for my life in ministry. Here’s the list I see all the time: God Family Our vocational ministry I actually think that’s entirely jacked up and unhealthy. Here’s the priorities I think God is calling those of us in vocational ministry to: God Family Community (a fellowship…