I tend to love strong, capable female characters in books and movies, especially spy thrillers. As a pastor, however, I fully acknowledge that—in real life—degrading and oppressive attitudes and actions toward women have been rampant throughout history. And that, sadly, many of these attitudes and actions have been vehemently defended by various religions, including Christianity. But, honestly, even our irreligious … Read More
Rethinking Harmful Stereotypes in John Eldredge’s Teaching
Although there are others who do not share my experience, on the whole, John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart had a positive impact on my life. Among other things, his insights on Satan’s strategy are worth the price of the book and are probably the most helpful thing I’ve read on that subject. Eldredge’s influence was so profound in my ministry … Read More
Stealing Back Proverbs 31:10-31
I’ve used this illustration before but on November 19, 2017, one of the most notorious murderers of the 20th century died: Charles Manson. After the second set of murders associated with his name on August 10, 1969, one of the Manson cult-killers wrote “Helter Skelter” on the refrigerator of the house in which the murders took place. The phrase was … Read More
Dads and Daughters
We noted last week and here that, although the later part of Psalm 127 focuses more on sons, the first part of the psalm includes all children, male and female alike: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” In thinking about daughters specifically, I’ve found Job 42:10-17—another section in the wisdom literature … Read More
Children Are God’s Treasures to Change the World
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5, ESV Verses 3-5 … Read More
God Gives Rest to Anxious Hearts
“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2, ESV I can so relate to this verse, as I’ve often struggled with insomnia. It might be because I don’t know how to solve a particular problem or heal a painful … Read More
Our Best Efforts Are Useless Without God’s Blessing
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1, ESV Psalm 127 is a wisdom psalm or poem that’s part of a trilogy:127,128, & 133. And that trilogy is part of a larger collection of “pilgrimage psalms” or “Songs of Ascent” … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 4 of 4
In this multi-layered passage we’ve been considering (Luke 10:38-42), Mary is our example in both her listening and, specifically, in her listening to Jesus. And this brings us to our final and most important point for 2021: Jesus tells us that Mary shows us a better way to live. (42) A close friend casually looking at this story has often … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 2 of 4
“Loves first act is to listen.” Theologian Paul Tillich In considering the story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10:38-42, our first of three points is that Mary listened. This might seem like something too simple to mention, but, honestly, given the racial and political division we’ve seen over the past year, I can’t think of anything more … Read More
Changeless as the Sea
Pam, I, and our dogs had a wonderfully healing vacation in the Outer Banks the first week of November. One night she captured the great picture of the moon above. It goes so well with a song I wrote many years ago that I thought I’d share the lyrics with for you the holiday. Although I wrote it on July … Read More