Picket fences and picture frames.
In classic Americana tradition, no one image has more concisely defined the American dream than the white picket fence. That may seem a bit odd these days, especially in the area where I currently live. White picket fences have been replaced by tan/brown/desert colored concrete block fences here. But if we look back over the past few decades, the notion of the picket fence was a sign of arrival. It meant you had succeeded, and was a goal for millions of Americans. In addition to the picket fence, picture frames took on a whole measure of importance themselves. With the advent of...
Read MoreBuy Shouting at God, help me go to Honduras!
I have an upcoming trip to Honduras with Sparrow Missions in April. The purpose of this trip is to assist in building a school for children in an area of San Pedro Sula. I am also inviting area pastors to go with me to see the need in the area, and to consider having their churches in America partner with local churches in Honduras for missions and ministry opportunities. I am committing to this trip without having the money to go, but believing that God wants me there. As I’ve been thinking through options to fund the trip, this came to mind…in a couple of weeks I am...
Read MoreLaw AND grace, Old AND New…
Last Friday I threw out some thoughts concerning some questions that had arisen on Old Testament law and New Testament grace. You can read those thoughts here if you missed it. Here is part 2 of the discussion… This post’s title is “Law AND grace, Old AND New” – a serious misunderstanding can arise from incorrectly thinking that the Old Testament was only full of law, and the New Testament is only full of grace. Throughout the stories and history of the OT, God is continually showing His grace and mercy to His people. His giving of the law was a...
Read MoreLaw or grace? Old Testament or New?
On Thursday nights, my home is open to a large group of teenagers through the organization Young Life, for an event known as Campaigners. Campaigners is designed for teenagers who are walking with Christ, and is a time to dig deeper into God’s word. Last night, through some written questions and some sidebar conversations afterwards, I encountered several young people who were working through the issues of law and the Old Testament, and the application in their lives. These conversations are encouraging to me, and I hope to them, as it shows a real desire to wade through the inch...
Read MoreFor His glory…
This coming Sunday I will be preaching from John 9, and the healing of the man born blind. Though it is a familiar story to me, I am always struck by the difference between the disciples and Jesus when they come upon the man in need – the disciples want to know the “why” behind his situation, when Jesus sees the “what”. Specifically for Jesus, the “what” is that God’s glory will be revealed. I don’t know if you have ever heard of Nick Vujicic, but his story is amazing. Born without arms or legs, he committed his life to Christ and to...
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