In Romans 12:13 the Word tells us to “Practice hospitality.”
I have always been up for a good, wholesome party, so this is not a difficult command for me. My husband Jay and I like to host gatherings in our house – not only do we enjoy it, but we feel like the Lord gave us this particular home for this purpose among others. We live close to church on 2/3 of an acre and our backyard is an awesome place for kids to play, and though not large, our home accommodates a lot of people comfortably because of its floor plan. Read Entire Post…
Giving this blog the same title as a well-written book may seem unusual, but stick with me; I’ll explain.
The book I’m referring to, The Will of God as a Way of Life by Whitworth College professor Jerry Sittser, is one that we’d all do well to read, talk about, and apply to our lives. (Or, as Eugene Peterson points out in the Forward, to read twice, the second time more slowly.) The book is not a new one (it was first published in 2000), rather, it’s more like a sturdy companion ready for rediscovery by readers ready for a challenge. Its premise? That seeking out the will of God for our lives is much simpler than we make it out to be. Read Entire Post…
17-Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
Just as we share in suffering, we also share in fruit. Paul says here that he is excited not for the gift itself but for the result of that gift. When the Philippians gave, he saw more than money; he saw ministry! Read Entire Post…
Due to serious abuse in the past (and present), giving has become a hot-topic issue in the church today. However, we cannot allow the misuse of men to destroy the intent of God. The argument has become “to give or not to give” but that was never the question, the question for Christians is not “if” we give but “why” we give. As is often the case, by clearing up our motive, the action we need to take will become clear as well. Read Entire Post…
Visiting Cannon Beach, Oregon, last week with my family, I walked out onto the shore and my feet sank into the warm, white sand. Words from Psalm 139:17–18 came to mind:
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
They would outnumber the grains of sand…
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My husband Ray and I recently took care of three little boys from church while their parents went out for dinner. With our two adult sons grown and on their own, we were blessed to spend time with these little ones. At one point during our evening together, the boys poured out a bin of Legos onto the carpet and I sat down with them, asking about the different Lego men, the weapons, the spaceships. The boys seemed preoccupied, searching quietly through the pile for their favorite characters while I continued my one-way conversation. Read Entire Post…
I just had a recent meeting with two women who are both in the sweet, middle space of life (yes, in their 50’s) and it was so interesting how each of them independently during our time together shared of a constant battle with condemnation. Both are discovering a relationship with God…both pleasant, mature women…both suffering horribly under condemnation…both needing to put condemnation away…for good! Read Entire Post…
This title bears repeating and for me stirs up many conversations with my Lord, how about you? American Playwright and Novelist Thornton Niven Wilder (1897-1975) wrote a play called, “The Angel that Troubled the Waters,” which is loosely based on John 5:1-4, the story of the pool of Bethesda. The play tells of a physician who comes periodically to the pool of Bethesda, hoping to be the first in the water and be healed of his melancholy …when the angel appears and troubles the water. Read Entire Post…
A few months ago was a time of change in my life unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Really, the last couple of months seem like a demolition exercise without the safety procedures. Like a termite infested shack whose rotting walls were standing in the way of building a cozy home, there were some things in my life which had to change. Read Entire Post…
For a long time I didn’t connect with others at church because of a fear of being real. I thought that if others knew what a terrible example of a Christian I was they would be appalled.
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