Sit. Walk. Stand.

I wish I were smart enough to come up with this title and concept, but Watchman Nee did first, and he wrote a great, short book with this same title. Sit. Walk. Stand. This is the picture of the Christian life. It is also the picture and progress the Apostle Paul lays out in theContinue reading “Sit. Walk. Stand.”

The Problem of Evil

A perfectly good God exists, and evil exists. This is a challenging enigma to contemplate and understand. After all, a good God would stop all evil and suffering from happening, so we would not have to experience it, right? This is where we need to pause and consider some of the characteristics of God andContinue reading “The Problem of Evil”

What Can “Baby Shark” Teach Us?

It has taken the toddler country by storm. My toddler is obsessed with “Baby Shark.” Actually, obsessed may be too nice of a word. She has the toy shark that swims and sings in the bathtub. The phone that plays the song. A book. A Baby Shark puppet. She wears herself out dancing to theContinue reading “What Can “Baby Shark” Teach Us?”

What Does Redemption Mean?

“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats andContinue reading “What Does Redemption Mean?”

In the Presence of the King

Click here to read Acts 25. How nerve wracking it is for people to stand in front of people of power. What do you think your real reaction would be to stand in front of a president? A king or queen? A CEO of a billion dollar company? Your own boss who may not comeContinue reading “In the Presence of the King”

Really Ready for Christmas?

This week, we have asked some tough questions, hopefully preparing us and challenging us to embrace the real Christmas event so our lives reflect Christ in this world. Once more, I invite you to read the scripture focus for this week. Take some time to ponder what we have talked about this week. Most importantly,Continue reading “Really Ready for Christmas?”

Do We Take Christ Seriously Enough?

This may seem like a strange question as we begin Advent, but I believe it is an important question we should ask ourselves. This is a questions I ponder most days. How we think about Christ changes our to do list and what we do day to day. What we believe about Christ changes ourContinue reading “Do We Take Christ Seriously Enough?”

Words From Creation

James 3:7-9 CEB “People can tame and already have tamed every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish. No one can tame the tongue, though. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we both bless the Lord and Father and curse human beings made in God’s likeness.” Here, James is goingContinue reading “Words From Creation”

Live Out Loud

I love the lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Live Out Loud:” Think about this Try to keep a bird from singing after it’s soared up in the sky Give the sun a cloudless day and tell it not to shine Think about this If we really have been given the gift of life thatContinue reading “Live Out Loud”

Beneath the Surface

James 2:5-7 CEB “My dear brothers and sisters, listen! Hasn’t God chosen those who are poor by worldly standards to be rich in terms of faith? Hasn’t God chosen the poor as heirs of the kingdom he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the wealthy make life difficultContinue reading “Beneath the Surface”