Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20 10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. 11 Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. 12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. 13 Therefore, pick up... Continue Reading →
We Need the Spirit
Recently I had a brief interaction with an individual because a mutual friend was celebrating his opportunity to study and posted a picture of a large stack of books. This friend is a pastor and the woman commented that what the Church needs is the Holy Spirit, implying that my friend was wasting his time... Continue Reading →
Healing the Community
I was relaxing on the couch last Sunday afternoon when a friend sent me a link to a news story about a Texas pastor killed in a church shooting. It was tragic to hear about Rev. Mark Allen McWilliams, but I admittedly found my ability to show compassion hampered. The article revealed that he had... Continue Reading →
Fast?
Today marks the start of Lent, a season traditionally dominated by fasting. Yet today, many Christians are preferring to say as a preacher friend did to me recently, “Rather than fasting, I want to add something new during Lent.” Meaning, rather than giving up anything, this person was going to add a spiritual discipline. Now... Continue Reading →
A Pinpoint of Light
Though originally used to describe Thanksgiving I think Lydia Maria Child’s words apply equally well to Advent: Over the river, and through the wood—and straight through the barnyard gate, We seem to go extremely slow, it is so hard to wait! For almost two-thousand years now the Church has been waiting, waiting for the appearance... Continue Reading →
Reactions to Paris, Prayer for the World
I have spent a great deal of time this weekend following social media and the response to last Friday’s events in Paris. I saw numerous responses to the tragedy expressing condolences from people who honestly seemed to wish they could do more than write a note. At some point in the weekend it dawned on... Continue Reading →