The Dichotomy of Christmas

“The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:20 MSG) “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” (Matthew 2:10 MSG) “Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage.…

Rhythms of Grace

“Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now how more tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way…

With Joy

“Pay close attention now: I’m creating a new heavens and a new earth. All the earlier troubles, chaos and pain are things fo the past, to be forgotten. Look ahead with joy.” (Isaiah 65:17-18 MSG) What a verse to read on the fifth anniversary of…

Heart-Strength Training

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NLT) John Eldredge lists the biblically-documented potential conditions of our heart: wounded, pierced, grieved, broken, cheerful, glad, joyful, rejoicing, deceived, divided, whole, wise, foolish, steadfast, true, valiant, frightened, cowardly, wandering, dull,…

Dinner with Misfits

“The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll…