2018-11-28 I Thess 1:7

There was a lot of talk about lifestyle evangelism a few years back.  Here is a verse that highlights that principle.

Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! 

This is in no way a freedom to refrain from speaking the gospel, but living it is also very powerful.  I will have to think about how I can make the living gospel more a part of my life.

Read More ->>

2018-11-26 Acts 17 and 18

This passage details some of the hardships and resistance that Paul experienced in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.  One of the interesting stories is the discussion he had about the "unknown" God.  He was a great apologist but still took a lot of abuse.  The encouragement he got in a vision - "stick with it" is good for us as well.  Even when we don't see evident results, God is still working in ways we don't see.

17:11 -  “Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.” That was all he needed to stick it out.

Read More ->>

2018-11-23 Thanksgiving

Our church hosts a Thanksgiving service each year.  It a great time of worship and reflection.  The speaker this year brought our attention to Genesis 3 - the serpent in the garden.  The point (drawn from Ann Voskamp - One Thousand Gifts) was that the primary sin in this scene was ungratefulness.  The corollary lesson is that a principle spiritual discipline needs to be gratefulness.  This is something that resonates with me.  I agree with him in that my tendency is to focus on challenges (things that I want to be better in myself and in the world around me).  It is a much better pattern to focus on good things.  Philippians 4:8 comes to mind.

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Read More ->>

2018-11-21 James 3 and 4

This is a very powerful message.  A healthy community is a major desire for me.  This is how to get it God's way.


17-18Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Then we find this in chapter 4.  Purify your inner life by yelling a loud no to the Devil.

7-10So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

Read More ->>

2018-11-20 James 2

We have pretty much decided to move, largely because of the homeless impact on our neighborhood.  Then I read today in James 2:
5-7Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens! 

I don't think I am abusing them but I am certainly unsympathetic - maybe that's the same thing.

I think that I will need to find some way to serve the homeless.

This will be hard.

Read More ->>

Daniel 7-9

I was interested to be reminded of Daniel’s plea for forgiveness and acknowledgement of the sins of the people and God’s righteous wrath against them.  This is in the context of the prophecies that lay out the plan for the coming anointed one.

It is a good reminder that God makes the rules and the our success in life depends on following those rules.  My tendency is to try to get away with doing my own thing.

Read More ->>

Psalm 20 and Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

The verses that attract my attention in this Psalm are 7 and 8.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.

I think that "the name" of God embodies His attributes and character.  When we learn to rely on Him we will not fall.  How great is that?


I read (actually - browsed is more accurate)  Richard Rohr's Falling Upward : A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life.  Holly and I are in the midst of considering what our lives after UPS will look like.  This was a book that had been recommended. Rohr is a Franciscan priest from New Mexico and is a celebrated writer and speaker.  He is clearly very bright and extremely well read but I had a hard time getting past what I perceived as a strong bent toward universalism.  By that, I mean that his concept of spiritual maturity embraced all religions.  There is a strong presence of scripture in his work but also eastern mysticism and Greek philosophy.  One of the premises is that failure is a necessary part of growth.  Thus, the title, "Falling Upward".  This is reminiscent of Brene Brown's work, which I like much more.  I don't recommend this book, although to be fair, I didn't read it carefully.  Also, it is important to learn from those of a different view so maybe I should try again with an approach to find the good.

Read More ->>