Isaiah 43:8-15 "I announced, I saved, I proclaimed, not some stranger among you."Isaiah 43:12a It's a story as old as time: Humanity finds itself in a jam and starts looking for someone who can lead the way out. When Moses went up the mountain to commune with God, the people turned to Aaron who, in... Continue Reading →
Reluctant Prophets and the Tireless Work of God
Exodus 6:1-13 The cries of the people poured from their hearts and rose to God's ears. Disturbed by the lack of justice happening on earth, seeing an entire race of people enslaved, witnessing the cruelties of the ruling class, God determines to make "momentous events of justice happen." Those events were huge, indeed. So huge... Continue Reading →
God, Hollywood, and the Christian Culture War
This past weekend two films were released that were based on stories of faith: Noah and God's Not Dead. In the past two days, I have seen both of them (yeah, I go to the cinema a lot--I don't have cable). Over the past few weeks I have been deluged (no Noah pun intended) with others' opinions... Continue Reading →
Finding God in Expected Places
I find myself navigating through life in a cycle of certain habits. Late in the evening, the dog and I walk down to the dock behind the city building and I sit in silence. It is a time of prayer. A time of solace. A time just to listen to what God is saying to... Continue Reading →
The Encouragement of Ducks
What is that? I squint into the darkness, trying to figure out what that thing bobbing in the river is. I love the river at night. Sometimes, when my soul is restless, the dog and I will walk down to the dock behind the municipal building and sit on the bench, watching the river gently... Continue Reading →
Lectio Divina and the Rhythm of Life
Life is hurried and we rush through it, buzzing from one activity and requirement to the next. And all too often, along the way, something unpleasant gets tossed into the mix that stirs up our souls and causes us spiritual restlessness. It's important that we make time in our lives for God to speak to... Continue Reading →
God of War
I've been thinking a lot about God's role in war. At one church, we are studying Genesis... and of course, the Old Testament is no stranger to intense and sustained bouts of warfare. Although we are focused on the Gospel of John at the other church, nearly every Bible study begins with a discussion about... Continue Reading →
The Gospel According to… The Rise of the Guardians
God is always interacting with us. God is always trying to open our eyes and our hearts to a divine revelation. And sometimes, if we are willing to listen, we will find God in unexpected places. A couple of weeks ago I went to see The Rise of the Guardians and all I expected was a... Continue Reading →
Shooting Stars and School Shootings
Last night I stayed up way past my bedtime. I wanted to watch the meteor shower. So, at around midnight, I was standing in my backyard with my jaw hanging open, bouncing up and down with my hands shoved in my pockets trying to keep warm. But I didn't mind the cold because every... Continue Reading →