The God Who Avenges

I have said before that the Psalms aren't my favorite reading; however, I have gotten more out of reading them this time than ever before.  As I have read this time, I have really been trying to keep in mind David's life.  This was particularly helpful when reading the 94th Psalm.  This is a prayer of David asking for the God of vengeance to shine forth.  

Say Grace

At our house we say grace, but I don't often think about why. We have guests regularly, and we often need to explain. We say that we are Christians, and it's our habit to thank God for the food He gives us.  Exchanging uncomfortable glances, they sit quietly and listen to the words.  It's a gentle witness to who we are.  Our more curious and courageous guests ask, "Do you HAVE to pray?"  We have always told them no, that it was just our custom.  There is no Biblical command that says you HAVE to pray before you eat but we do because we're thankful. 

Following Jesus and Putting Away the Blasters

It's confession time.  I don't know Jesus as well as I should.  I suppose most people on earth can say that, but it was brought home to me while we've been preparing these posts about following our Savior. I have deep sympathy for the obtuse apostles, who never really understood Jesus's message until he was gone, because sometimes I'm the same way.  I've read the gospels countless times, and sometimes I just don't get it.  

Footprints of Jesus

Isn't it funny how our understanding of favorite hymns changes as we grow?  Some songs I didn't understand as a child.  The Yoda-like syntax of "Love Lifted Me" always threw me for a loop:

He's the master of the sea, billows his will obey

He your savior wants to be, be saved today. 

I was a teenager when I realized the words mean

He's the master of the sea, the billows obey his will

He wants to be your savior, be saved today.

Hermeneutics 101

Welcome to Hermeneutics 101.  Come on in and take a seat.  Hermen who? you might ask.  Yeah, I think I know him.  This is not a person.  It is the art and science of how we approach our study of the Bible.  When I was recently reading Psalms 127, I was reminded of a very basic principle of hermeneutics.

Following Jesus

"What changed when you became a Christian?"  The question was not out of the blue.  The young man who asked the question had been learning about God for several months and was trying to imagine what life as a Christian might look like.  

God's Call 2

Last week, we took a look at God's call on our lives.  We decided that God has definitely called us to use the talents and resources he has blessed us with in His service.  It sounds so nice and easy, doesn't it?  God gave us skills and resources that we enjoy, so we can enjoy using them to further His kingdom.  While all of that is true, I don't want to leave you with the impression that we are always going to feel well equipped in ourselves to do His work.  I also don't want you to think that service to God is always fun.  Rewarding (in the eternal sense), yes.  A piece of cake here on earth?  Not so much.