Scripture: Exodus 3:1-4:17 For some reason, we think words alone are enough to convince deeply entrenched interests in surrendering their positions. If we are just persuasive enough, the other will agree with us. Too often, unfortunately, true persuasion is not what wins the battle of ideas. It is the one who can create calm, ease the … Continue reading More Than Words
The Wrong Kind of Righteousness
Scripture: Romans 10:1-4 One of the prevailing ideas in our culture is that God's primary desire for each of us is to "be a good person." If we treat others with dignity, help someone else in need, and show a little love every now and then, God is pleased and we are assured a place in … Continue reading The Wrong Kind of Righteousness
Hitting the Reset Button
Scripture: John 3:1-8 I have a confession to make. While I was never a very big video game player, I have enjoyed playing sports games. I am not too ashamed to say that if I find myself losing a game to the computer, I sometimes just hit the "reset" button so that I can start over fresh. … Continue reading Hitting the Reset Button
Not Just a Good Argument
Scripture: Acts 2:36-41 Years ago, I found myself engaged in an extended debate with a friend of mine. This friend was a devout atheist and philosophy student who would regularly goad me about my faith and question how I could believe in the fantasy of a God who created everything and who sent a Son to … Continue reading Not Just a Good Argument
That Old Bait ‘N Switch
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7 It's known on used car lots as the "old bait 'n switch." The salesman promises you one thing, but after the purchase, you realize what you received was something else entirely different. Why do we fall for this? We are enticed by the promise of a better experience of life. The problem is … Continue reading That Old Bait ‘N Switch
“Be Careful! Jesus Bought You That!”
Scripture: James 1:16-17 How would you approach your life if you viewed EVERYTHING good you possess as a gift? Tell me if you have had this experience: In your childhood, you are playing with a toy (perhaps not according to its intended use), and your mom or dad says, "Be careful! Grandma bought you that!" Or … Continue reading “Be Careful! Jesus Bought You That!”
You Don’t Know What You Think You Know
Scripture: Romans 8:26-28 How certain are you that you know what you need? As the assignment and first call process draw closer for me, I have been asked several times the kind of congregation I would want to serve and lead. In one sense, I have felt able to answer, but the more I reflect … Continue reading You Don’t Know What You Think You Know
More Than You Can Handle
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:1-8 Have you ever heard the phrase: "God won't give you more than you can handle"? Maybe you have repeated this phrase. Maybe you believe truly believe this phrase. It's attractive because it says something about our capacity to withstand difficult circumstances. It sounds like encouragement to those experiencing trial to say to them … Continue reading More Than You Can Handle
Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide
Scripture: Psalm 139:7-12 Think about this for a second: there is nowhere you can go that God cannot find you. There is nothing you can do that God does not see. This sounds a bit terrifying, right? It is passages like this that bring to mind our many sins, the things we do when we … Continue reading Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide
Making Something of Your Mess
Scripture: Genesis 21:14-19 Have you ever felt like you messed up something so badly that there is no hope of it being fixed? In Genesis, God promises Abraham and Sarah a son, but He was not coming through in the timeframe they wanted. Sarah possessed a slave girl whom she gave to Abraham to get pregnant, and … Continue reading Making Something of Your Mess
Everyday Follower 