Son, Father, Brother

Big Words

I recently sent a video to a couple of men. The response was different from what I had expected. “They use big words.” I had planned to respond in a not-so-good way, but it wouldn’t have been appropriate. However, I would like to remember some things from the video, so I will post my thoughtsContinue reading “Big Words”

Miracles Not Included

John 5:1-9 Get Up and Walk Interestingly, my writing through John had me at the story of the invalid. Reading and writing this passage of scripture caused me to think about its meaning and whether it is helpful for myself and those around me. My first thought is that this is a call to action.Continue reading “Miracles Not Included”

More Alive?

I was confronted with another question the other day from my wife. It wasn’t her question but one that was posed to her by a friend. This letter is not directed toward the friend but towards Christians who are discontent with how they feel in a church. They tend to ask questions or say, “ThisContinue reading “More Alive?”

Repentance

I may get myself in trouble again. Repentance is one of those Christian terms I was taught early, but I am still trying to understand it beyond a 180-degree turn. This understanding serves well right away but leads to questions shortly after the next sinful activity. I believe this view has us with a cartContinue reading “Repentance”

Forgiveness

Our individualistic Western culture has made us terrible forgivers and virtually unable to accept forgiveness from others. We have turned forgiveness into being excused. We have emptied the purpose of forgiveness and replaced it with a desire to feel better or to be justified in our righteousness. “We often confuse forgiveness with excusing” – Lewis.Continue reading “Forgiveness”

What is Love? (Part 1 of ∞)

You may come to the conclusion that I am bat crazy after this one. Love is one of the most complex and mysterious concepts that exists. We are constantly overloaded with the word and do not understand how to do it well. When I do an internet search for the term love, I often receiveContinue reading “What is Love? (Part 1 of ∞)”

Not Are They, But Will They

In Matthew 13:24-30, what message is Jesus trying to convey, and what is the application for our lives? In this passage, I see method, source, and response. First, the enemy’s method is the same as the one that sowed the good seed. Secondly, the source the enemy uses is of the same kind, a seed.Continue reading “Not Are They, But Will They”

Bitter

I have been walking through a season of bitterness. It is one of those seasons every human experiences. Even the most annoyingly cheerful person doesn’t have enough silver linings in their positive pockets for this sin-cursed life. You cannot outrun it or live perfectly enough because Jesus tasted it. We will taste bitter one wayContinue reading “Bitter”

Capture the Flag

I feel like I am in a never-ending game of “capture the flag” with the devil. Whenever I believe my flag is well-guarded, he steals it. I am sick of this stupid game. It is unfair, and I do not know the rules. More accurately, I may know the rules but have little success puttingContinue reading “Capture the Flag”

Seen Not Heard

Growing up in an abusive household has had a constant ripple effect throughout my entire life. I have spent my life attempting to calm the pool. Ironically, attempting to calm waves by physical force creates more of the thing you are trying to stop. This internal and external battle has produced an attitude of apathyContinue reading “Seen Not Heard”