God will often bring us to the end of ourselves that we might see our need for Him and understand the depths of His provision. Affliction is a normal part of the Christian life, and sharing our stories, like Paul does, of how God has met us in our afflictions can help us edify, encourage, and persevere with one another. Continue Reading →
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“Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more'” (John 8:10-11).
This woman stood condemned. Her sin was real. Once she was cornered by the Pharisees, she knew it was all over. She knew the law, and she knew the consequences. There was no hope, no grace that was coming. All that was left was the black and white judgment of the law. As she heard the Pharisees asking Jesus what to do, she waited for her condemnation. She waited for Jesus to confirm the law. She waited for the words that would bring an end to her life. She waited, but the words didn’t come. Jesus didn’t speak but instead bent down and ran His finger through the sand (John 8:3-6). Continue Reading →
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I don’t like email. I often sit and think that Jesus came at the particular time He did simply to avoid email. And probably social media. Alas, I don’t know why the Lord chose for me to exist in this time and place, but the Bible tells me He did it on purpose and in love, so I guess I need to keep learning how to faithfully steward the tools of this age for His glory. Below is a true tale of how the grace of God can show up in unexpected ways through our mini moments of faithfulness in the mundane elements of our work. Continue Reading →
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Awkward conversations have adorned the dinner table ever since Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. That being said, I am hard-pressed to think of a more awkward moment at a meal than this. Earlier that day Jesus had told the disciples to go into the city and talk to a specific stranger to acquire a room for their Passover meal. As usual, what Jesus asked them to do proved perfectly successful. Rejoicing in this unique provision, the disciples settled in and began enjoying their meal together, likely discussing, once again, the wonders of what Jesus had done. And then, with a few words, Jesus changed everything: “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Continue Reading →
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It sadly didn’t take much for Adam and Eve to become self-absorbed. All it took was the persuasive counsel of the serpent for them both to abandon the loving counsel given by God and reach for self-sufficiency. Instead of trusting God’s loving wisdom, they looked inward and decided they needed more than what God offered. In that singular moment of rebellious individualism, Adam and Eve set the pattern for humanity’s ongoing wrestle. Our fleshly intuition tells us to look inward for answers, while faith warns us what we’re looking for is found somewhere else. Continue Reading →
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