Hope and Fear
‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:10-11 NASB) The first verse of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ends with, “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” Hope and fear pretty much cover my feelings about life—from stepping on the scale each morning to wondering where our nation is headed—so I’ve been pondering this verse....
Read MoreI Want to Go with Him
“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” (John 14:3-4 NASB) My mother, Marian, blesses my life. She’s 97, has severe dementia, and lives in a skilled nursing facility. Her husband (my father, Dale) still lives in their one-bedroom independent living apartment. They’ve been living separately for the last five of their 67 years of marriage. What does severe dementia mean? Short-term memory is shot. Long-term memory has winked out. But Mom is remarkable for what is present...
Read MoreWho’s in Front of You?
“When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14 NASB) As a way to resolve all the angst about call and what kind of good works God has prepared for us, a friend advised: “Love Jesus and love the one in front of you.”...
Read MoreGrief and Call
“Remember the prisoners as though in prison with them.” (Hebrews 13:3) Hebrews 13:3 has become my life. I’m sucking down books and articles about prisoners and the justice process that put them in prison. The more I learn, the more I realize that my country is filled with systematic vindictiveness and cruelty. I feel shame and anger and grief. God warned me in advance: Psalm 126:9, those who sow with tears shall reap with joyful shouting (NASB). Grief is Part One of my call to advocacy for criminal justice reform. Here’s a prisoner I grieve for, from an article by...
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