When reflecting on the virgin birth of Christ, there was a single miraculous moment: the conception. Following that moment, which could be argued as one of the greatest moments in human history, was the natural cycle of gestational development and child birth. God purposely encompassed the full human experience for the coming Savior. Whether it … Continue reading Advent and Abortion
He Opened His Mouth
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) was in fact a sermon given on a mountain. But it was not like any Sunday morning sermon that has been given since then--it was in fact, the only sermon. And I mean only as in the original sermon. When the scriptures state that Jesus opened His mouth … Continue reading He Opened His Mouth
The Inauguration of Heaven
In my early twenties I would attend recovery meetings in a community building next to a local coffee shop. It was somewhere along East McDowell in Phoenix. The memory of my time in the downtown desert is blurred by live-in rehab, halfway houses, and being surrounded by broken people. Everyone seemed doomed to repeat the … Continue reading The Inauguration of Heaven
The Absurdity of Anfechtungen; The Absurdity of Audaciousness
Anfechtungen reared its ugly head just a few miles outside of Erfurt, Germany in the 5th year of the 16th century. In short, Martin Luther had been caught up in a frightening thunderstorm as he was journeying across the German countryside. So frightening was this storm that he cried out as lightning struck near him, … Continue reading The Absurdity of Anfechtungen; The Absurdity of Audaciousness
Enfolded
"Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person..." II Corinthians 5:17 TPT I am not stepping into Christ as I would step into my car. Nor am I getting into Christ as I would get into bed. For eventually I will get out of my car and likewise I … Continue reading Enfolded
Thankful:Today
I am thankful for Today Not simply this moment or the next moment to come But the moment of being able to choose Which is not even a moment but instead it is ongoing kindness and enduring mercy I am thankful that Today is the Father in Heaven Regardless of my kiss to betray Him … Continue reading Thankful:Today
Crow: Redux
The Tyger watched as the vultures circled for many seasons and for a time and times and half a time until they began dying of fatigue. The vultures fell like giant hellish pinballs from the sky. Some fell unnoticed in the barren fields; others plummeted through the roofs of homes and places of commerce. The … Continue reading Crow: Redux
A Prayer for Tax Season
"God, I cannot handle my mind, nor my emotions, nor my money. I turn them over to you. You are the Creator and I am the creature; you are the Lover and I am the beloved. Rule my spirit in wisdom and order my ways in love. Amen." Eugene Peterson Praying With The Early Christians
An Easter Prayer
Lord, Unwrap me from this excess. That is waste. As I waste away the days in chocolate, comfort, and condition. Lord, I no longer want my back to you. But I want to be back with you. Wherever it is that you live. Lord, The trap is set. Spring me from my pity. The American … Continue reading An Easter Prayer
Whole Heart
Not the Sea of Galilee In the synoptic gospel of Mark, there is an account of Jesus telling a story. This is nothing new or challenging. Jesus told many stories and typically that is not the point of contention when one evaluates the merit of him as a historical figure. Nevertheless, the story was a … Continue reading Whole Heart