Do I find envy a problem? Specifically, do I find envy of the rich a problem? Most references to the rich in the Bible, more accurately those referring to those who ‘trust in wealth,’ warn of the dangers of wealth. Solomon serves as a case study of where things can go wrong even when I start right. So if I …
Take Up Your Cross
Take Up Your Cross ‘Take up your cross’ is a central concept in practical Christianity and daily discipleship. And yet much of the time, I don’t wake up and start the day thinking, ‘take up your cross.’ Since I set the alarm for 3:00 am— a 6:00 am flight to Austin—I first tried to remember if I fixed the coffee …
Chief of Sinners
Chief of Sinners Paul describes himself as the chief of sinners. This also refers to an experience all maturing as disciples must go through. A day will come when all of us will think of ourselves as the chief of sinners. My stepfather, one of the top ten blessings in my life, and I agree on many things. As a …
Consecrated Life or Distracted Life: Did Jesus Lie to Us?
Today’s reading in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers combined with my daily readings in II Chronicles, Matthew, Psalms, and Proverbs convicted me deeply. To live the consecrated life instead of the distracted life, I must reflect upon Matthew 6:33-34, daily if necessary. Chambers writes for January 26: ‘Did Jesus Christ lie to us? Are we experiencing the “much …
What Would Jesus Do? WWJD?—Wrong Question
What Would Jesus Do? Concept vs. Relationship What would Jesus do? It is a phrase that many use to remind themselves of a better path. The problem with the question is that we can use it to create a theoretical concept that we worship rather than maintaining a relationship with the living Christ. In Food in God’s Place, (Currently …
The Try-Hard Life vs. ‘My Yoke is Easy’
I drove down Providence Road this morning after taking my daughter to school while listening to New Life 91.9. Emily Freeman spoke about her new book Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life. I thought, ‘what an awesome title.’ The term try-hard life seems destined to become a sermon and group discussion topic. As the Naaman …
Americans are Dying Younger. Is it…Monsatan?
The French coined a new name for an American company, Monsatan, they call Monsanto. This coincides with CNN recently reporting that more Americans die younger than their peers in other developed nations. We should certainly look at all potential causes including genetically modified organisms (GMO)s, but let’s first examine ourselves. Monsanto, Monsatan by the French, behaves like most companies, they …