Staff Blog
Bridging
All too often you hear, “What’s in it for ME?” That question daily hums inside you and ME. Even in serving, “I hope someone noticed ME.” Even in giving, it can still be about ME. One of the lies begun in Eden’s garden, “Look out for yourself, look out for number one.” Now we’re curved…
SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND BASEBALL?
Am I Dr. Jekyll OR Mr. Hyde? Or am I Dr. Jekyll AND Mr. Hyde? Sometimes with God, it seems I’ve come quite far, Other times, farther to go than ever before. When I was only five and played t-ball, Baseball was easy! Just hit the sitting ball! But by ten can you hit…
The Sin of Entitlement
Giving to people is no easy chore. When they disagree, they are out the door. When self is supreme, people feel entitled, “Micro-aggressions!” Hurt feelings unbridled. Some express gratitude, oh so greatly. Others? “So, what have you done for me lately?” Picky, nit-picky and oh so prickly, Opinions of you can change oh so…
King, Priest, and Sacrifice.
In the Old Testament, the people were ruled by a King, and in order for the people to have atonement for their sin, they needed an animal sacrifice and a priest. At the cross, Jesus is revealed as all 3 of these things, king, priest and the sacrificial lamb. Pilate made a sign and posted…
The Initiating Love of God
Owen asked, “Why do they call Good Friday, ‘Good Friday’ if that’s when they killed Jesus?” That’s a great question. That’s not a 5-year-old question. He’s a genius! Let me tell you my favorite thing about Good Friday. My favorite thing about Good Friday is that God publicly, efficiently, and for all time outed me.…
ROSE
What a beauty is she, from her bud to full bloom, The petals unfolding are as soft as a plume. The richest, deep scarlet stuns and mesmerizes. Gazing at her glory, beauty energizes. What a beauty is she, deep in her redeemed heart. Her eyes invite you in, with her, to be a part.…
BE a blessing
Sometimes I find that I can be really self-centered. One of the best ways to get my eyes off myself, is to think of how I can be a blessing to someone else. Here are a few ideas, along that particular thread: 1. Pray for them. 2. Send a text of encouragement or a scripture.…
Book of Galatians
Why does temptation seem so compulsive? How can sin become so addictive? How do I battle this God-awful scourge? It’s something I just can’t seem to purge! My Spirit will expose your inner corruption That drives you, beneath your outward compulsions. If your highest purpose is to feel better, That corruption will lock you…
Book of 1 Corinthians
When life is filled with relational drama, And plenty of bouts of personal trauma, What drives the spewing of petty criticizing, The hatred, vitriol, and demonizing? “Knowledge puffs up,” the apostle did say, Like a weapon unleashed in the furious fray, Playing the “expert,” the one “in the know,” The sharp arrows of pride…