Lines of Communication
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17, NIV) A couple of weeks ago my wife woke up after having a strange dream the night before. The dream […]
Schadenfreude
Getting ready for bed last night, there were signs…the onset. As the sun rose this morning, it had arrived. A real malady. I felt like the hero in Kafka’s short story, The Metamorphosis, who woke up one morning to find he had turned into a giant bug overnight! When your wife wakes up, looks you […]
You Should be Ashamed?
“Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush… (Jeremiah 8:12).” Many of us have a negative connection to shame, but it is really a symptom of a healthy society. In the same way we experience pain in our bodies to alert […]
Down the Mountain
“As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)“ (Luke 9:33, NIV) You’ve probably read about the Transfiguration – Peter was with […]
A Hidden God
“Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?“ (Psalm 10:1, NIV) Have you ever asked that question? You and I phrase it differently: “God, where are you?” Vere tu es Deus absconditus (truly you are a hidden God) said Pascal. Isaiah said the same thing (Isa. […]
You who are far off…
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”“ […]
Babel Reversed
“That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.“ (Genesis 11:9, NIV) “When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.“ (Acts […]
Cast Your Cares on Him
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 2:00 in the morning […]
The Name
“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin….”” (Exodus […]
Greater Things?
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.“ (John 14:12, NIV) Let’s be honest – the Bible is often offensive. I’m offended when I’m told not to do certain things […]
A Reason to Celebrate!
“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ ”” (Luke 19:5-7, […]
A Lifestyle of Kindness
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?“ (Romans 2:4, NIV) Thirty-one days of kindness is waning. I’m not sure how long it takes to form a habit – I’ve read anywhere from 21 to 66 days. Nevertheless, this month […]