Knowing God through His Word — Part 6
Jesus never lied. He told his disciples that. . .”he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” In the centuries since His crucifixion, many believers have done these “greater works.” However did they do them? Men and women with the Holy Spirit’s gift of miracles, saints like St. Francis, Mme. Jeanne Guyon, George Fox and Padre Pio didn’t start out turning water to wine, healing the sick, casting out demons, opening blind eyes, or raising the dead.
The Second Sunday in Advent 2016
Today we lit the Second Advent candle. Yesterday, in a holiday mood, I pulled out our Christmas music, about twenty-five CD’s, several almost that old. Once again I thought, “This year maybe I’ll play them all and separate the duds from the keepers.” We listen to our family’s favorites over and over again; it’s an […]
Knowing God through His Word — Part 5
Francois Fenelon, a 17th Century French priest, knew God and talked with Him more than most. Those of us who are seeking God today can learn from him. In part five of this series I’ve adapted a short essay he wrote to make it easier reading . . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 4
Part Four of this series digs into God’s Word by using the very same tools used by Socrates and Jesus Himself. By asking questions, great teachers will turn on lights and get folks like you and me thinking. Finding answers in God’s Word is a bit like prospecting for precious ores or gems or digging for buried treasures. The digs begin with adventure, seeking, and curiosity; they continue through the work of sifting, examining and studying the finds; and they require keeping our eyes open and alert for discovery.
The First Sunday in Advent 2016
Early this morning, still in my bathrobe and slipper-socks, I walked out on the frost white ground to cut branches from an evergreen for our Advent Wreath. Today we light the first candle and officially begin to get excited about Christmas. Preparing for that moment, I began to think about why we celebrate Advent . . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 2
Part two of Knowing God through His Word asks, “How does knowing the Bible bring seekers closer to God, even into union with Him?” Since God is Spirit and He relates to every one uniquely and personally, the answer isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are a few guidelines . . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 1
This series of brief essays, Knowing God through His Word, looks at Bible study through many lenses. It discusses reasons to study the Bible, hindrances to Bible study, and practical approaches to Bible study and memorization. It draws from from many different authors, disciplines, points of view, and centuries.
Knowing God through His Word — Part 3
Part three suggests a few things that help to find God’s Spirit and life in the Scriptures and to hear His loving voice speaking just to you. . .
Essays in Ephesians #2
God choose us! He choose us. Have you experienced being NOT chosen? Not chosen for the team? The committee? The job? The club? The promotion? Being not chosen can be a bit discomforting and stir up feelings of not being good enough, or liked enough, or qualified enough. If our identity is wrapped up in being chosen, it can stop us for a season…
The Nursing Home
Occasionally a little faith-talk or a short prayer with these elderly residents who’d faithfully said their prayers since childhood happened automatically. Sometimes they’d initiate a spiritual moment; sometimes a word of blessing would slip from my lips. Often, as the night aide, I was the last person a resident saw before sleep.
Primary Election Thoughts
Neither party gives more than lip service to the values of large sections of American voters. And many voters don’t seem to care. After living through eighteen elections, it feels smashingly irregular to watch masses of voters swaying and clapping to rhetoric and propaganda on both sides. It’s scary. Going to vote last week felt urgently important, but I didn’t know how to vote. I wasn’t sure any candidate was qualified.
Divisions? Or Revived in Love?
Church Conflicts At times church conflicts are symptoms of buried personal pain seeping out sideways. For example, a friend of mine was abused in childhood. She grew up to mistrust all male authority figures. She challenged all male pastors. The husband of another friend was misogynistic; he was also a divinity school graduate whose issues had wrecked his […]
