“Be like JESUS” That’s what it says on a sign outside a Catholic school close to my house. But where does that idea come from? Sure, many of us believe in Jesus, but why should we be like him? Late in the 1st century the apostle John warned that if we claim to know God but … Continue reading So can you
Jesus
A verse we read with one eye closed
I don’t know about you, but when I read the Bible there’s a silent conversation happening in my head. With a lot of stories and verses I’m saying things like ‘Yeah, that’s awesome, that’s good too, oh yup…” But then I run into passages like this one and yup turns into gulp: “If anyone wants … Continue reading A verse we read with one eye closed
When conformity and self-discovery fall flat
In the movie Witness, a young Amish woman named Rachel falls in love with a police officer who is clearly not Amish. Her father Eli tells her it’s forbidden and that the community elders could have her punished for her actions which, he says, are childish. “I’ll be the judge of that!” she says. “No, … Continue reading When conformity and self-discovery fall flat
Loving people you just don’t like
Some people put their foot in their mouth… but seem to enjoy the taste. Some people rub you the wrong way… but act like it’s the right way. Some people know how to push your buttons… and you detest that they can have so much negative impact on you! It’s true: Some people just drive you … Continue reading Loving people you just don’t like
Your litmus test
2 Corinthians 5:17 "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation" (NRSV) Today's Thought The purpose of a “litmus test” is to see what something is really made of, to see what it really is on the inside. This happens in science with different substances, of course. But it can also happen with … Continue reading Your litmus test
The mixed messages of Jesus?
Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (NIV) Today's Thought To be honest, I sometimes feel that living a life of faith is a contradiction. On one hand, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23). … Continue reading The mixed messages of Jesus?
Getting out of a rut
Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (NIV) Today's Thought A lot of people think that pastors never fall into the same ruts they do. Since we’re always talking about prayer and community and love, many people think that we never have dry spells in our faith. That’s just untrue. I will, however, … Continue reading Getting out of a rut
Be… perfect?
Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV) Today's Thought As strange as it may sound, you can’t be godly and perfect at the same time. To a certain degree, what I just said doesn’t make sense. After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus invites his hearers to “Be perfect… as your … Continue reading Be… perfect?
Looking at him like that offended too many people
Isaiah 53:2 “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him...” (NIV) Today's Thought When pastor Fred Craddock was in Oklahoma he saw a painting of Jesus. He was asked to look at it for his opinion. But it wasn’t the kind you’d expect to see. The colours were dark, including purples and blacks … Continue reading Looking at him like that offended too many people
Doubt is a comma
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (NIV) Today's Thought Have you ever talked to someone about a doubt you were struggling with but the response you got back was, "You just have to have more faith"? I have. … Continue reading Doubt is a comma
