Jesus’ life of scandal

    something that is shocking, upsetting, or unacceptable   Jesus began his life with scandal—a young girl impregnated by the Holy Spirit.                 Who’s going to ever believe that crazy story?   Not Joseph, the man she was betrothed to. Not her parents. Not her friends. Not the village elders. Or the gossips or… Read More

coming into being

What is advent? Before this morning (when I looked it up) I would have said it was “the time before” or “a time of waiting.” But there’s more to it than that. The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives this definition (when not capitalized): a coming into being or use such as <the advent of pasteurization> or <the advent… Read More

inheritance

All humankind inherited death from Adam as a consequence of sin. When you look at history, you see that conflicts of nations are also inherited. The whole situation between Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar led to generations of hatred between Jews and Arabs. We inherit blessings as well. DNA is only one way of leaving an… Read More

Ephesians 2:18-22 Together, we are His house

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell and on the third He rose again and ascended… Read More

Ephesians 2:14-18 A fresh start

Equal access. One family. No more insiders and outsiders. Only through our Savior Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in us. One world-wide community. Ephesians 2:14-18(New Living Translation) For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross,… Read More

Ebenezer

My life is in flux—my husband and I are entering a new chapter and both of us are in the waiting mode to see where God leads us now. He is retiring from full-time teaching; I am, after a 4-month re-entry into part-time work at the Write Place, again approaching the great unknown—on what will… Read More

Colossians 3:5-6 Is your life shaped by things and feelings instead of God?

When you are on your death bed, what is going to matter? Your fancy car? Your vacation home? Your gold medals or other awards of earthly achievements? You are going to meet God–just you without your fine clothes, toys, or possessions. He is going to asking you what you chose in life. What will your… Read More