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The way ahead is tough, necessary, and glorious
I have been reviewing the month of May in my journaling and notes and found there have been only two places that have been a catalyst for a longer exploration, though “longer exploration” is a bit of a misnomer as they took me on a path of further Scriptural exploration that was a few days… not months. Yet, in these…
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When the fire of the Spirit burns
We move from Pentecost Sunday to Trinity Sunday. The Old Testament text for Trinity Sunday dovetails so nicely from Pentecost Sunday. It is Exodus 3:1-6. Moses is being called to go back and lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt. Moses is not “young.” He had more of life behind him than in front of him. He had been raised…
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Why the “isms” ultimately fail
There is a struggle between “liberalism” and “authoritarianism” currently, according to David Brooks. Yet, we have to understand every “system” is severely flawed.
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Honest reflection lacks in our current world
We are good at pointing out the utter absurdity of ideologies opposed to our very true and righteous ideals. We, of course, have the right ideals and that other side is, well, obviously wrong. This is the condition in which we find ourselves consistently. In the Church or in politics, what seriously lacks is self reflection. Conservatives or progressives, it…
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The power of Pentecost — the sign of tongues
NT Wright on the power of the Holy Spirit and the sign of speaking in tongues: Some people try to sweep ‘tongues’ aside as if it was a peculiar thing which happened early on and which, fortunately, doesn’t need to happen any more. Sometimes this is combined with a sense of the need to control the emotions, both one’s own…
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The power of Pentecost
Pentecost Sunday is coming. Some thoughts from NT Wright: …when it comes to Pentecost it’s far more important that you’re out there in the wind, letting it sweep through your life, your heart, your imagination, your powers of speech, and transform you from a listless or lifeless believer into someone whose heart is on fire with the love of God.…
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Creating what is good
David Brooks draws from Howard Thurman’s book Jesus and the Disinherited to discuss how to create deep change in our communities. (HERE) Basically, it is hard work. It is worthy work.
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Pray… even when it’s hard
I have been challenged in my prayer time and Bible reading time to engage on a journey of intercession for the American Church. I would like to think I’m just getting prepped to challenge others to pray for the American Church so I can just pass it off. I just finished Nancy French’s new book, Ghosted, and believe me, I…
