Concerning ourselves with just spiritual freedom…not physical or political or national. Thinking only of our spirits. Scripture tells us repeatedly that Jesus came to set us free. Free from what? Read: Galatians 5:1-6 I will summarize the background of this writing for you. Paul traveled to the area of Galatia which is roughly modern day …
Out of the Chaos
Inspiration for living outside of the chaos.
What does freedom mean to me? It means walking down a street unafraid that I will be stopped, questioned or imprisoned. It means choosing the car I drive, the house I buy, the clothes I wear, the food I eat and the water I drink. It means the opportunity to choose education, job training, working …
Read: Psalm 119:25-32 The psalmist portrays the beauty of being in God’s word. It is more than a rule book to him; it is more than a genie in a bottle; it is more than a paddle. It is life to him! May our experiences with God’s word be as meaningful as the psalmist.
One more look at Jesus’ words this week. Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly. John 7:24 Read: John 7:21-24 Jesus is referencing a miracle he performed on the Sabbath. He showed compassion rather than following the restrictions for the Sabbath that forbid a person to do work. The healing required the man …
The humiliation of being caught in sin. A horrible place indeed. Never has a large brimmed hat and designer sun glasses looked so good. Hiding away behind the props, I find solace and anonymity. Read: John 8:1-11 Jesus words have never sounded so good! When others are yelling for my demise, Jesus quietly stoops down …
There are times when I am asked to explain myself. Not by those who are close to me or even those who are “for me,” but by those who oppose me. How do I know when to give a full explanation and when to smile and nod? Read: Mark 11:27-33 Jesus’ interaction with the religious …
Comparison. It kills. It kills inspiration, creativity, innovation. Constantly looking at someone else prevents me from living fully, celebrating my opportunities, resting in my reality. Read: John 21:20-23 As we look this week at What Would Jesus Say, my mind immediately went to this saying of Jesus. Too often we concern ourselves with the other …
The first time I encountered a ropes course was my first year of teaching in 2008. Every fall the high school students participated in a three day event designed to build community. Interterm, as it was called, offered a different activity each day. I chose to go with the students to the ropes course. A …
A decade or more ago there was a popular study entitled, “WWJD – What would Jesus Do?” It came complete with wrist bands, books, study guides – the complete deal. As a church we worked through the study in small groups, deliberately attentive to how we responded to difficult situations in daily life. Saturday my …
But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22 So Jesus said, “…I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught …
Out of the Chaos 