“Disciple” means something
Discipleship continues to be one of those words people struggle to understand. What exactly is it? Is it for everyone? How do we do it? Isn’t there another word we can use that is more…modern? This brings up an interesting issue for those in the Church. There are many words we use which are no longer in general use in the world around us. We call these “church words” because they tend to be used exclusively in church contexts. My personal opinion is that when…
Read MoreGratitude
The economy is bad–which means times are hard. The election cycle has basically revealed that anyone running for an office–or strongly supporting such a person–is dishonest. The microscopic inspection such people receive simply re=enforces the Holy Spirit’s words through Paul–all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23) On top of that, as if we needed proof, we have proof in our world and in our bodies that the curse of Adam is real and still carried by his descendants–us. Retirees…
Read MoreHow old are you?
How old are you? It seems like a simple—and obvious—question. But maybe it isn’t. Last week I was privileged to observe a few hundred high school students in their classrooms. I was struck by something. They had their own culture. They had their own language (with some overlap with ours). They had their own hierarchy. They had their own identity. They are fully developed human beings. Well, at least most of them think so. Of course, we might look at them and say this and…
Read MoreAre you plugged in?
WARNING: This article rehashes something we all know and should already be practicing! My friends and family will attest I am a generally competent person. I am NOT a gifted DIY guy, but I do, out of necessity, apply my hand to home repair projects. Sometimes I even fix the problem. But today I find myself led to be truthful about a recent event that, while not showing me in a particularly positive light, illustrates (or re-illustrates) an issue that is so basic to the…
Read MoreWho are you?
Who are you? Most of us would answer something to do with what we spend our time doing. What we might call our calling or vocation. “I am a doctor.” “I am a teacher.” “I am a mechanic.” Some of us would answer in terms of a relationship. “I am a mother.”, though increasingly I hear people who identify themselves in such a way actually describing what they do in that role rather than simply being that person. In other words, when I talk with…
Read MoreAn insight from watching the Olympics.
The Olympics are almost over, and I confess I have watched a lot of the competitions. I am a sports fan. Like many people, I enjoy watching the competitions. I also enjoy the human-interest element, and even an occasional vicarious achievement. This has even more meaning for me, because as a new Christian I was recruited by the Olympic committee to train for the next Olympic trials (no promise I would go, just a guaranteed slot in the trials). A crisis of faith caused me…
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