We are in the season of Epiphany, which begins twelve days after Christmas, celebrating the appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles as indicated by the visit of the Wise Men from the East to the holy family in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12). The word “epiphany” means, “to appear”. On the first Sunday in Epiphany, we celebrate … Continue reading What’s Important about Epiphany?
Category: Current Events
Redemption from the inside out
What does it mean when we are more afraid of what is outside of us than what is inside? Look at Mark 7. The terrifying catalog of evil that Jesus describes here comes from our own corrupt hearts. The magnitude of God’s love and power to save me is not realized until I see that … Continue reading Redemption from the inside out
What do I do when I’m afraid?
When you listen to the news, or get a disturbing update from family or friends, do you ever become really afraid? God’s response is the same every time. Remember what is true: God loves me; the Son of God took human nature to Himself and lived for me, even to the point of crucifixion and … Continue reading What do I do when I’m afraid?
Thoughts for the New Year
Has 2020 improved our vision? Will our lives be that much different at 12:01 on January 1, 2021? Everyone (except Amazon, mask makers, and Plexiglas makers) is looking forward to vaccinations and a return to life as usual. But will relief and joy for a recovery from 2020 quickly be overshadowed by fear, worry, or … Continue reading Thoughts for the New Year
Are we acting like atheists?
Functionally atheist? What? No! I absolutely believe in God. Why then all the worry, fear, stress, and anxiety? How has God failed us so that we insist on making sure we make things happen that please us? How has God failed us so that we are constantly pressed from fear of one thing to worry … Continue reading Are we acting like atheists?
In the most difficult of circumstances–considering the first Christmas
What could be worse than a stay-at-home order just as the Holy Day season begins? How about an imperial order to register for taxes? For Joseph and Mary, that meant a young lady in her final month of pregnancy must travel on foot and/or donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Wait a minute; it gets worse. … Continue reading In the most difficult of circumstances–considering the first Christmas
When you are afraid or worried, think about Good Friday
When you are afraid, anxious, worried, or depressed, do you ever think about Good Friday? Jesus had been arrested, condemned, and crucified. Darkness was over the land and the hope of Jesus’ disciples was crushed. Has your hope ever been crushed? If so, you can identify with how the disciples felt. What’s good about a … Continue reading When you are afraid or worried, think about Good Friday
God’s Generosity: Meditation on Luke 14
I recently spoke at an evening communion service on our CUI campus. The text was from Luke 14, where Jesus goes to dine at a Pharisee’s house. Here are some highlights I wanted to share with you, as well: COME, FOR ALL THINGS ARE READY NOW … AND STILL THERE IS ROOM! This is fundamentally … Continue reading God’s Generosity: Meditation on Luke 14
Peace amidst life’s storms
What if our situation seems to be getting worse instead of better? What are we to do with news that restrictions are being increased again because of more cases of COVID-19? What are we to do with still no certainty of who our next president will be? Are these the best of times for appreciating … Continue reading Peace amidst life’s storms
How to be an ambassador in these times
A few weeks have gone by, and the United States election process continues on. How would an ambassador for Jesus relate to people during such times as these? Peaceably—because our citizenship is in the Kingdom of God and our Redeemer, King, and Advocate is eternal, we have the peace of God that surpasses all human … Continue reading How to be an ambassador in these times