Not if, but when

Not if, but when

Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.     I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.     When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place,     it won’t be a dead end— Because I...
A hunger for ritual

A hunger for ritual

You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. (Psalm 104:5, NRSV) I think I mentioned in a previous post that my family gave me a turntable for Christmas and I’ve been enjoying it immensely. One reason is the fun of exploring the world...
A free ride

A free ride

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22, CEB) There are lots of ways to respond the question, Why do we do good things? Potential...
Sacred surprises

Sacred surprises

God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8, Common English Bible) A common statement (m)uttered by new pastors when they enter...
Taking the plunge

Taking the plunge

That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. (John 21:7, NRSV) Several years ago, my family and I met up with my dad and...
Hiding Jesus

Hiding Jesus

Sometimes the Spirit takes hold while a preacher preaches and they go off script to make a point. I thought that was happening to me last Sunday as I was talking about how we love the baby Jesus, but that baby grows up to challenge and even threaten our comfortable...