Who among us hasn’t uttered the words, “I love you, but I don’t like your actions?” Parenting seems to bring that statement out a lot. You adore the child God has entrusted to you, yet sometimes cringe at their choices, decisions and actions. It’s easy to turn the gaze inward, and question yourself, thinking, “What did I do wrong? Where did I lead them astray?” And yet we know that … [Read more...]
How Long, O Lord?
November 17, 2016 By Leave a Comment
You may have heard me share that my two favorite books in the Bible are Leviticus and Lamentations (followed closely by James). Lamentations presents this beautiful dichotomy between the terror and heartache of daily life, and the mercy and love of God. In the midst of describing untold despair, the writer of Lamentations pauses, looks heavenward, and proclaims, “Yet this I call to mind … [Read more...]
Do Not Neglect Your Gift
November 10, 2016 By 1 Comment
In a tender exchange between father and son, I witnessed the passing of a baton from one generation to the next - an exchange filled with great hope, anticipation, and sincere prayers for a God-filled future. So intimate was the moment, I felt like I was trespassing; and yet I had been welcomed into the moment, so I sat, watched and learned. So too is our scripture passage from 1 … [Read more...]
You Are Invited!
November 3, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Have you ever planned an elaborate dinner or a special party - just to be stood up by those you invited? Maybe the person didn’t even bother to show up, or called shortly before the event with some lame excuse. Either way, it probably became obvious to you that perhaps your relationship was not as important to them as it was to you. Our scripture this week, Luke 14:15-20, features … [Read more...]
An Avoiding God?
October 27, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Do you believe in mind reading? You know - the ability for someone to read exactly what you’re thinking? If you’ve been walking through some tough times lately - with your finances, health, relationships, or just life-in-general - and you read Psalm 10, you might just be convinced that somehow that author read your mind and wrote down your thoughts! How many times have you wondered, … [Read more...]
