Being Christian Without Losing Your Mind
A dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When he saw her, the Lord had compassion for her and said, “Don’t cry.” – Luke 7:12b-13 The times that made me question my pastoral calling were when people faced …
But Jesus turned and spoke sternly to them. – Luke 9:55 A key to believing in Jesus is trusting the writers of the New Testament. Of the many books and debates over its authenticity, there’s one simple fact that points to its truthfulness: The disciples are portrayed as thick-headed, ambitious, prejudiced, quick-tempered, selfish, and cowardly. …
After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me….Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives?” – Mark 8:34,36b You never know when or where the wisdom of Jesus will pop …
If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. – Romans 8:13 United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase is from Texas. When he was assigned to Missouri, it was a weather-shock to him. The sub-freezing …
The Lord disciplines whomever he loves, and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts. – Hebrews 12:6 Throughout my years in ministry, there would be people who seemed to stand out because of their character, conviction, compassion, and courage—the 4 “c’s”. And occasionally one of these saints would say something, or forward something on …
A certain man, Lazarus, was ill. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha…So the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one whom you love is ill.” – John 11:1, 3 Mary and her sister Martha had an interesting relationship. In Luke, these two sisters, who were so different …
“His master called the first servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you appealed to me. Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’” — Matthew 18:32-33 How you receive a gift reveals your heart. It shows if you’re a taker or …
Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. – Matthew 6:12 Father Henri Nouwen wrote, “Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly.” (From his You Are the Beloved) How do we love poorly? …
I hope this finds each of you in the midst of a sacred and joyful Christmas season, blessed by the love of Jesus and of the special people in your life. I ran across this Christmas prayer and wanted to share it with you. I don’t know who wrote it, but I found it very …
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2 In all the sweetness of Christmas, which we should enjoy, we should also remember what an incredibly powerful statement the birth of Christ makes. When Isaiah used the phrase “pitch-dark land,” he …