Growing up in a non-denominational, evangelical tradition of worship, I was never particularly encouraged to participate in a liturgical event like Lent. Historically, after the Reformation, many Protestant churches abandoned the observance of Lent and other liturgical practices in distancing themselves from abuses in the Catholic church. Personally, the obscene excesses of Mardi Gras, the licentiousness of Fat … Continue reading Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lent
Category: Church
Love One Another
At the core of every person's life is a need for relationships — with God and with God’s people. God designed us, as people made in His image, with a desire to love and be loved. And yet, in our selfishness and sinfulness, it seems all we can think of is ourselves - me, myself, and … Continue reading Love One Another
Revelation
Reading thru the Bible over the last 365 days, I'm finishing with the vision revealed to the Apostle John who was exiled on the island of Patmos because of His testimony about Jesus some time after 90AD. What John wrote in the book of Revelation fascinates us and has caused generations of Christ followers to … Continue reading Revelation
church fights
It has been said that “church fights are the worst fights,” perhaps because they break out among people who profess to believe in unity and love. You name it, Christians fight over it. Sometimes the disagreements are over trivial matters, but often they are serious conflicts from different viewpoints. Many Christians have been so hurt … Continue reading church fights
Racism and Racialization
Most of the people I know are not guilty of racism, but many (whites) like me, and including me, are culpable of racialization - the collective misunderstanding of cultural position or unintentional misuse of power which causes racial division and results in diminished life opportunities for other racial groups. Racialization is so embedded within our … Continue reading Racism and Racialization
Music and Memories
Music helps us connect life experiences with past memories. We need older songs to help us remember God's Word and His faithfulness. At the same time, we also need new songs to make new connections. Words may challenge the mind, but music speaks to the heart. This morning while reading through Psalm 9, I was … Continue reading Music and Memories
Racial Reconciliation
Achieving racial reconciliation is challenging and seemingly impossible — both in our country and within the church. The stipulations imposed on us because of our differences should not determine how we relate to one another, but sadly, it seems they do. The most recent deaths of Alton Sterling (Baton Rouge, LA) and Philander Castile (St. Anthony, … Continue reading Racial Reconciliation
Who are you following?
Who are you following? Not just on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram. Who is influencing your life? Is it your favorite writer or author? Is it a particular blogger that puts words to your thoughts? Is it a specific actor or a favorite show? Is it a musician or band that is always playing in the … Continue reading Who are you following?
Kingdom of Priests
So often, especially in the US, our identity seems to get wrapped up in our possessions (homes, cars, finances, etc..) and our value is usually related to what we do (teacher, engineer, manager, etc..). But God has called us to find our worth and our purpose in our relationship with Him. He has set us apart as believers … Continue reading Kingdom of Priests
What is Advent?
What is this thing called Advent? In 4th and 5th century Gaul and Spain, Advent was a preparation not for Christmas but for Epiphany. That's the early-January celebration of such diverse events in Jesus' life as his Baptism, the miracle at Cana, and the visit of the Magi. In those days, believers spent Advent's 40 … Continue reading What is Advent?
following Jesus 