“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” … Continue reading He treats me as his favorite
forgiveness
He was pierced for our transgressions
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result, he got picked on—a lot.In his barracks, there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came up with … Continue reading He was pierced for our transgressions
Shrove Tuesday, “Shriving,” Sin and Mercy
Today is known as “Shrove Tuesday.” It’s the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.What does it mean?The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.Since many people fast during Lent, there was a custom of using up fatty foods on this day to … Continue reading Shrove Tuesday, “Shriving,” Sin and Mercy
Not alone in your struggles
Dr. James Tour is a professor at Rice University. His church has a ministry to support families dealing with the challenges of cancer. People need treatment like chemotherapy for months at a time, so families from their church welcome these families into their homes.Sometimes, as we know, even children get cancer. In the midst of … Continue reading Not alone in your struggles
His performance, not yours
While in college John Ortberg had to attend mandatory chapel services. They had assigned seating. It was a clever format. After all, since the services were mandatory, and since the students had assigned seating, it was easy for the monitors to see who was (or wasn’t) in attendance.During one of the semesters a controversy broke out. … Continue reading His performance, not yours
Those who are radically loved…
{See below for a vacation notice.}Why are we supposed to love our enemies?It’s a big question. I recently dedicated an entire sermon to the subject (which can you access in the footnotes below if you’re interested).Among the many answers to this question, here’s one that is worth pondering. People who are radically loved, love radically. Granted, … Continue reading Those who are radically loved…
The only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t
In yesterday’s devotional I shared a few words about the woman caught in adultery in John 8.It’s a powerful and beautiful example of how Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).Today let’s focus on a much-neglected detail. In verse 7 he said: “Let any one of you who is without … Continue reading The only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t
He is not shocked
Last week I sent a note to the congregation I pastor. It was about being deliberate about our attitude on Sunday mornings.It’s so easy to forget what (and who) worship is all about. All of us are influenced by the prevailing individualism and consumerism of our time. What mindset do we have as we prepare … Continue reading He is not shocked
What’s to be learned from a dog’s yellow fur
A boy had a little dog named Remmy while he was growing up. Remmy was a Jack Russel. He was mostly white with one brown ear. And he was very loved.One day it snowed outside. Remmy went out into the garden. That’s when the boy noticed something about his beloved dog. He wasn’t white anymore, … Continue reading What’s to be learned from a dog’s yellow fur
Fatty foods in the cupboard and sin in the heart
Today is known as Shrove Tuesday. It’s the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.Since many people fast during Lent, there was (and is) a custom of using up fatty foods on this day to get … Continue reading Fatty foods in the cupboard and sin in the heart
