Power in Helpless Places {#LentChallenge}

I’ve been living life like a passenger on a run-away train. Our crazy factor is at an all time high. Really. Someone once said that truth is stranger than fiction. After this month, I say, “Amen.” The crazy is still … Continue reading →

What! You too? {#LentChallenge}

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind…and you will be blessed” Luke 14:13-14a. There is science that suggests we are drawn to people we perceive to be most like us. And … Continue reading →

Fruits Worthy of Repentance {#LentChallenge}

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance” Luke 3:8. We are told John’s mission was to “proclaim a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin” (3:3) as a preparation for the arrival of God’s Son. He is the preparation committee. Jesus … Continue reading →

Beloved of Love {#LentChallenge}

“For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all all she had to live on” Mark 12:44. Abundance. Beyond it being a fun word to say, … Continue reading →

A Strategy for Maximum Impact {#LentChallenge}

“Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you” Mark 5:19. The man who had the legion of demons has one desire: be with Jesus. Can … Continue reading →

From Doubt to Worship {#LentChallenge}

How do you personalize the Bible’s teaching? Do you pick the stories and verses you like to make an example out of your own goodness? Maybe you just mentally cut and paste the ones that challenge you too much? A … Continue reading →

A Prayer: Not for Greatness but for Likeness {#LentChallenge}

“The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” Matthew 23:11-12. Merciful Lord, Forgive me for the timesI have not practiced what I teach. What grief … Continue reading →

The Joy of Hidden Treasure {#LentChallenge}

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” Matthew 13:44. Not once, but twice yesterday … Continue reading →

It Sounds Like Love and Feels Like Courage {#LentChallenge}

My calendar is an exercise in foreboding joy. I have some exciting opportunities penciled in and a couple possibilities sticky-noted to the margins. But where excitement and smiles should be, is only dread. Not dread like the bassets need a … Continue reading →

Blessed Beggars {#LentChallenge}

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:3. Jesus tells us two types of people receive the kingdom of God: the poor in spirit and those persecuted for righteousness sake. It makes sense. … Continue reading →