Mar 11, 2022 | Inspiration
Part 2 Click here to read part 1. Jesus knew this poor widow had no property and no close family to take care of her. Therefore, since it was something He did often, I believe Jesus motioned for one of His disciples to follow after her and quietly give her a handful...
Mar 4, 2022 | Perspectives
In her historical narrative on Joseph, Jacob’s deserted son, American writer Madeleine L’Engle carefully unpacked the customs and culture around this crucial figure in Jewish history. She did this for a specific reason: We need to consider the full contours of a story...
Feb 25, 2022 | Perspectives
How often do widows come up in the Gospels? Surprisingly, a lot! The most famous widow’s story is found at the end of Mark 12. At first, what Jesus appears to do (and not do) causes many readers to wince. Even worse? 1. Religious leaders may have cheated this...
Feb 18, 2022 | Inspiration
Hope is a term often used in a context of doubt. When we say, “I hope my team wins,” there is a hint of disbelief. When we say, “I hope my church grows,” you know it’s not guaranteed. When I peer into the freezer and say, “I hope there is ice cream,” the grim...
Feb 11, 2022 | Inspiration
There is hope in your story, whether you feel it or not. You may be in the midst of a hard season, you may be thriving but feel anxiety lurking at the edges or your life, or you find yourself longing for a jolt of encouragement as you wade through each day. Early...
Feb 4, 2022 | Inspiration, Leadership
Surrender is far from a widely embraced concept in our culture today. Surrender is the opposite of the independent “I can do it” attitude plaguing modern day society. In whatever capacity you lead in your church, we’re all called to let God lead the way when it comes...
Jan 28, 2022 | Perspectives
A friend and I began planning an event for our church where unmarried men and women could mingle and get to know each other. The church’s leadership wanted to create a subtle night of games where singles could interact naturally. In the process, maybe they’d get a...
Jan 21, 2022 | Inspiration, Perspectives
“Then Jesus told them this parable, ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one lost sheep until he finds it?” Luke 15:3-4, niv In a family full of lost sheep, my uncle Jack...
Jan 14, 2022 | Personal Development, Perspectives
I’m with some fellow graduate students who are seeking God for next steps. Out of all we have learned, God, how then should we live? We crazy Christians have the audacity to think we can actually hear from God. And how easily I forget that this is an actual miracle:...
