I have the mind of Christ! That may seem an arrogant thought to some. Self-debasing to others. But for those of us who have surrendered to Christ, it is a truth. A truth with power. This morning I am meditating on the implications of this truth. How does this affect my day to day life. Why is this important as I minister to others. Why did Paul say, “We have...
Overcoming Disappointment
Lately, I have had a hesitation before kissing my husband. I hope this is not TMI. But, the air is so dry in our home, that with every quick goodbye or welcome home kiss comes a small electric shock. (I guess I could look at it as, “After 34 years together sparks are still flying.”) But still, I brace myself for that nanosecond of discomfort before greeting my husband. This...
A Day in the Life
The 8th chapter of Luke, seems like the year 2020 for Jesus. He got in a boat and a storm arose that was so fierce even seasoned fishermen panicked. He got off the boat and was confronted by a demon-possessed madman who had a history of intimidating the locals. The village where he landed rejected him and asked Him to leave their area. An unclean woman touched him. She not...
Paul’s Gospel
“Christ is my message! I make known this mystery – Christ in you is the hope of glory.” Apostle Paul I’ve heard we should go back to teaching the basic. Yes! Let’s go back to teaching the Gospel according to Apostle Paul: 1. It is by grace we are saved through faith. It’s not of ourselves but a gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) 2. We have been made righteous by...
Faith or Fear?
My husband is a man of few words. When he speaks, he either makes me laugh or makes me think. Friday, he made me think. Weary from work, the news of protesters killed by a teen, another black man shot by police, learning about Chadwick Boseman, family drama, a feeling of dread overcame me. As I shared my struggle with my husband, he told of his similar struggle earlier that...
Who Shall I Fear?
David was living a nightmare. His former boss and father-in-law wanted him dead. In exile, he found rest at the house of the priest. He had no idea, this action would cause his former boss to slay all of the priest. David was grieved, alone, an outcast. Fear was banging on David’s door. How could he withstand Israel’s army? How could he overcome someone so evil that they would slay...
A Kinder Nation
My oldest son did something dumb the other day. He is a runner and usually runs early in the morning. But this day he overslept and started his run in the late morning. He was about four miles from his apartment when the oppressive sun got the most of him. He found himself sick, vomiting in the bushes and dehydrated. His mind raced. How would he get home? His closest...
Saturday
Saturday. I imagine it was the most difficult day for the disciples. Friday, even as Jesus was hanging on the cross there was a morsel of hope. I imagine the disciples held there breath like we do at end of a climatic movie. The building explodes. Fire and smoke are the backdrop. You think, no one could have survived that explosion. But then epic music is queued and from the...
Is it Time for a “Come to Jesus Meeting”?
I think I’m on day twenty of social distancing. What day are you on? Within these twenty days, I have had at least ten “Come to Jesus” meetings with my soul? At least. Some days, I had to have two. What does a “Come to Jesus” meeting with your soul look like? Well our soul is our mind, will, and emotions. Although not necessarily evil, sometimes they like to unite...
Fight for Hope?
HOPE! In the midst of the chaos, the disappointment, the isolation, the loss of income, the abundance of bad news, I keep hearing the word, “Hope.” If I am honest, I must admit, everyday, I have had to fight for Hope. I have had to fight to not give into despair, fear, disappointment. I am not always successful. Sometimes, if I am not careful, I can give in to the...