We want simple clear and unambiguous bullet points. And God tells us a life. Jon Swanson Have you ever thought that the bible isn’t a typical theology book? Humans publish lots of theology books. Entire colleges exist to teach theology. You can study all sorts of theological systems and traditions. Very smart people earn advanced […]
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What’s Your Theology?
What’s your theology? We were discussing a potential workshop opportunity, kicking around big ideas about goals and outcomes. This question plopped on the table, and I almost rushed to concoct some sort of intelligent-sounding answer. If you’re going to lead a Christian workshop, that’s the sort of question you’re supposed to be able to answer, […]
Continue readingMore TagHow To Avoid Spiritual Debt
Don’t let your heart write a check that your head can’t cash. I’ve been thinking a bit about my graduation advice (What Would You Tell A Graduate?). Do what’s right. Don’t make choices based on fear. Be gentle with yourself. I’m wondering why I chose those particular bits of wisdom. I think it involves something […]
Continue readingMore TagDon’t Be Afraid
The disciples were sitting in a boat. [Matthew 14:26-32] After a long night battling the wind, they saw a man walking toward them on the water. Tired and bleary-eyed, they imagined that a ghost approached from the mist. They cried out in fear. It was Jesus, and He said, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t […]
Continue readingMore TagTwelve Year Old Eyes
What do you think when you see this little blue guy? I asked some middle school kids that question. Hands went up, signaling a number of insightful comments. The sign reminded some of friends or family members. A few said they wondered about the people who needed those parking spaces. One appreciated that we care […]
Continue readingMore TagGive And Receive
Yesterday I wrote about The Hardest Thing I’ve had to do since my injury. One especially insightful commenter (Thanks Jen!) reminded me that humility is a two-way street. Submission In John 13, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. It’s a well-known story, a frequently referenced model for Christ’s attitude of humble service to others. But […]
Continue readingMore TagPorcupines And Puppies
Yesterday I asked How Do You Help An Injured Porcupine? Today I’m thinking of a different question: Why bother?
Continue readingMore TagSins Of Righteousness
What’s the ultimate sin? I’ve always figured sin was sin, none any better or worse than others. I’ve always wondered about folks who seem to categorize sins and set themselves apart as though there’s something admirable about belonging to a better class of sinner.
Continue readingMore TagGifts And Rewards
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to […]
Continue readingMore TagForgiveness isn’t …
…easy. When someone hurts me, my natural reaction is not forgiveness. How can I forgive something this bad? Have you ever heard (or asked) that question? Forgiveness isn’t our first impulse. We’ve all been hurt, and “letting it go” isn’t programmed into our menu of responses. We want to fight back, to hurt the one […]
Continue readingMore TagWhere Are You?
Which one are you? I’m currently in the midst of a fascinating small-group study of Timothy Keller’s book The Prodigal God. It’s a wonderful analysis of a familiar story—I highly recommend the book, unless you’re opposed to having old ideas challenged a bit. Most of us are familiar with The Parable of the Prodigal Son. […]
Continue readingMore TagIt’s All Good
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28] Yesterday I wrote about one aspect of good. If you’d like to read that story first, go ahead … I’ll wait. I’m sure you’ve heard the currently-popular expression: […]
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