Religion. Politics. Two subjects to avoid in polite company. Everyone knows this. And yet when reminded of this adage, my pastor says “Phooey!” Ok, he didn’t literally say that on Sunday, but he might as well. Every election season, when we all start acting like a bunch of crazed, angry, fearful, and impolite humans, Pastor … Continue reading Religion. Politics. Phooey.
Two questions. Asked in the wrong order. That’s what the pastor said the story was about. It’s near dusk on the lake shore. A calm setting of the sun with gentle breezes. The group of twelve apprentices hear their leader say, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” Sure thing. They have … Continue reading Two Questions In The Wrong Order
As a little girl, when I wanted to talk to my Dad while he was at work, I would call his office. Not the office number plus an extension. Not his direct number. And certainly not his cell phone. Those didn’t exist yet. I would call the one main Maranatha Construction Company phone number. But … Continue reading The Best Kind of Access
A meditation on John 10:1-5 The prophet Isaiah spoke about a time without hunger or thirst, but that isn’t the case today. The little one’s tummy is empty in these pre-dawn hours. She opens her sleepy eyes to gauge the time. The heavens unfold above her, the moon and the stars come in to focus; … Continue reading His Voice
“…another book was opened, which is the Book Of Life…” Revelation 20:12 Yahweh’s Book Of Life is not a written ledger. His accounting isn’t comprised of columns for debits and columns for credits. There is no sum total for “Balance Paid So Far” or “Balance Still Owed.” Which isn’t good news for those of us … Continue reading Yahweh’s Book Of Life
Since like forever. That’s how long I’ve been reading the Bible. The idea that the Bible has different literary styles and that narratives have well crafted elements like setting, plot, and character is familiar territory. So as Tim Mackie and Jon Collins at The Bible Project were releasing their podcast series on “How To Read … Continue reading Literary Design Pattern: Seek, Take, Do
Daniel, do not be afraid.
From your window, what is it you see?
Nations and kingdoms
self-centered and self-righteous;
their citizens and communities
expendable casualties and refugees?
It is only for a time. Continue reading I AM, So Do Not Be Afraid
Bon Jovi, in the 1980s, was classified as a rock and roll band, but in 2000 with the release of “It’s My Life” the band appealed to a younger audience and landed on the top 40 pop charts. The song became an anthem of sorts. Bon Jovi would later say of the lyrics, “I thought … Continue reading To Yield & To Give
As an activist, promises were not something he could offer. Sure, he could encourage students to hold sit-ins with the hope of reversing the inequalities. He could embolden many to march with the longing of rebalanced justice scales. He could even invite the young and old, black and white, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics … Continue reading “This Is Our Hope”
“What else is on your phone?” asks my nephew Solger. I’d been showing him pictures of the fish we caught earlier in the day, but after about 30 seconds, he’s ready to move on. He swipes through the screens and lasers in on my handful of games. The first game he clicks doesn’t open. It’s … Continue reading Skip The Stars, Paint The Shark
