Detour Vs Destination: God’s Wanderers Are Never Lost
We’re all stuck in an unprecedented vortex of wheel-spinning frustration. Mankind continue to stand at a door to a formidable unknown. A biological enemy feeds our agoraphobic propensity to tuck into our homes, staring us down. It remains a sensible plan of action to protect others and ourselves, especially the highly fragile. But as we gather for battle, another adversary looms. In this oddly meandering battle of detour vs. destination, it’s clear: God’s wanderers are never lost. As spot on as that is, it’s hard to recognize this truth on a day-to-day basis. The simplest errand is a roll of the dice. Many of us long for a pre Covid…
Pandemic Pentecost: Fanning the Flames of God’s Assurance
Unfortunately, it’s still my corona. And yours. Politicians dance about at press conferences, relaxing restrictions while reserving their right to reinstate. What assurance will we have that we’ll be safe? Ah, these days of new uncertainties. They unfold in this, our pandemic Pentecost as I’m fanning the flames of God’s assurances rather than culture’s. It’s a tad lofty, goal-wise. But I figure, why not set my sights high? I can fill up my tank with His awesome power. I love how the verse from Hebrews 11:1 lays it out. It refers to “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Presidents can’t see it. Prime ministers…
Astonishing Insights From God’s Messengers
As we journey through life, we experience a wide variety of experiences. There are the joyful mountaintop moments. We also face deep, challenging valley periods. In between the two lies a vast expanse of less dramatic day to day living. Nestled in the everyday encounters with others are astonishing insights from God’s messengers. Our messengers don’t necessarily arrive decked in wings. And they may or may not be angels. But they are appointed by God to speak truth, encourage and guide us to do God’s will. I would like to share a few of the encounters I’ve had of this kind. I’m hoping these stories will prompt you to recognize…
Being Clearly Seen, Fully Known & Deeply Loved By God
I’m in a fog of sorts right now, even though it’s 64 degrees and sunny with clear visibility in my ‘ hood. My cataract surgery: postponed! My ears are stopped up and I can’t taste or smell anything due to my cold. So today my sense of touch and my spiritual sense assume the sensory load. However, my impaired vision lead me to a number of epiphanies. In this moment, I wonder just what it really means for me that I’m being clearly seen, fully known and deeply loved by God. God Spies with His Inimitable Eyes I find there’s so much to learn in my newfound “blindness.” I choose…
Serendipity: Falling Through A Trap Door of Blessing
You may know the old Irish blessing “May the road rise up to meet you.”May you succeed on the road” is the literal meaning. The song goes on to mention a desire for more favorable winds to blow from the rear rather than in head-on fashion. There’s a petition for sunshine to warm the face and for lavish rains to fall on the thirsty outlying fields. The closing line asks God to hold the traveler in the palm of His mighty hand. Yet Life hands out its share of lemons. It’s not likely you’ll be traipsing carefree through the land of Oz indefinitely. It is, however, possible to encounter the…
A Rested Development: Tortoise Vs. Hare
Picture it: someone takes a saw. They cut out your old kneecap and replace it with a ball bearing joint. Slow and steady. This proved more agonizing than I’d ever imagined six months ago. I originally envisioned some minor discomfort while recuperating. I pictured myself surrounded by fragrant flowers. Sipping lattes in bed. I’d forge through my stack of books. Undertake mindless craft projects. Instead I received a rested development: tortoise vs. the hare. In a manner of speaking. Yeah, that didn’t happen. Instead, there were midnight crying jags, grueling exercises and med management exercises. Fortunately, my future included a rested development: Slow and steady wins the race. Life is…
