Inspired by Matthew 23:1-36
Action named as sin spurs contrition,
Intention to change briefly sustains,
Guilt incurred as sin recurs.
Sin named,
“I can do better”
Relapse, frustration,
Another deposit of guilt.
Named,
“Apologize!”
Good intentions…
Guilt.
Joy.
Spirit, you promised me joy!
And I know better than to pretend that
joy
stands alone,
but my heart is heavy in my chest. Continue reading “Joy in the Narrow Way”
I have lived my life in chains, have you? Continue reading “Craftsmen”
( Plain text, in case the photo gives you trouble) A moment of thankfulness is like a drop of water A tiny, refreshing sip in a vast desert Giving hope of life. Acknowledging blessings is like rain Beginning with the ‘drip, drip’ of a few moments, Strung together into a drizzle, then a steady flow […]
The battle is raging, will you take my hand? Are you afraid? ‘Cause I know I am “What will they gain?” “What could you lose?” “Life or Death!” The world makes us choose “Live for your rights!” “Die for the cause!” When we cease to be human, all hope is lost Jesus looks us in […]
Inspired by Luke 10 A Rabbi sends his disciples out, two by two, to proclaim good news in every surrounding town and village. In my mind’s eye, Jesus gives a little smile of satisfaction as he looks over the 72 lined up in front of Him, earnestly awaiting instruction. They are poor, mournful, meek, and […]
The beginning of eternal life is the end of our rights! The right to enjoy possessions without reference to others, The right to decide our own path, declare our own fate, The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, The right to have our needs met when and how we want, The right […]
Thank you for the wounds of ministry, sustained in imitation of You; The moments I become a parable, pointing toward Your deeper truth. These longsuffering moments make me who I am, though they lack the exhilaration of victory. In moments of ease I may enjoy, even need the respite, but hearts, not least my own, […]
Lord Jesus Christ King of Endless Glory Today I need you to make me brave. Grant me courage to repent with my heart and soul and strength, not just my mind. To feel the shame, the weight of my sin, to experience the powers of darkness at work through me, to be as I am, […]
“If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask?” Matthew 7:11 (NIV) At Christmas, parents everywhere shop tirelessly to buy their children gifts that will bring joy. This year, we had a hard time […]
In Pursuit of More 