In October 2006, a gunman took hostages in a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. He shot ten children. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Then he shot himself. Five of the children died, and people around the world were horrified. But get this: Just hours after it happened, people in the … Continue reading They went to the gunman’s parents’ house
fellowship
Withness
Life can be difficult. The only person who hasn’t experienced some kind of hardship is the person who hasn’t been born yet! Think of Jesus on the cross. He was the only perfect person who ever lived… and even he suffered greatly! None of us are given a free pass in life, but God offers … Continue reading Withness
Ask not what your fellowship can do for you…
One of the most famous speeches in American history was by John F Kennedy in 1961. He said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” It was a call to community, to think about something more than just your own individual needs. Thinking about faith, I’d … Continue reading Ask not what your fellowship can do for you…
You are someone’s missing piece
In 1 Corinthians 12:27 the apostle Paul says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” This idea that the church is the “body of Christ” is pretty well-known. In fact, when people say that Jesus is the “head” (boss and brains) of the church, and … Continue reading You are someone’s missing piece
Imperfect people
What I’m about to tell you is terrible. But I’m going to tell you anyway! I heard about some people who started a Bible study group. They called it “Owl.” At first, people thought the name was based on the bird. Since owls are symbols of wisdom, it made sense. But it came to light … Continue reading Imperfect people
Boundedness
The word “religion” isn’t very popular. People (including myself!) prefer to use substitutes like “spirituality” or “faith” as a way of bypassing this un-trendy word that can call to mind firm-fisted sermons, strict morality or chanting monks. But let’s pause on it for a minute. It comes from an old word meaning “to bind.” So … Continue reading Boundedness
Like muscles to your flesh
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (NIV) Today's Thought People. Humans. Unless you’re a hermit in the middle of the desert with no WiFi, you can’t … Continue reading Like muscles to your flesh
