The first time I heard the scripture in Matthew 7:21-23, I quickly applied it to others. In subsequent readings, it unsettled me. I’ve come to a place where it keeps me company with a content sort of fear and trembling. I don’t get it, but I accept it. It goes: “Not everyone who says to…
Category: Beyond the Churchyard
The Ordination of Humankind
Twelve is a significant number in the Bible. There were 12 tribes of Israel, and Jesus chose 12 disciples. He even chose 12 knowing there would be one who was a betrayer. So I imagine all the times Christ looked him in the eye, giving him every chance to follow and believe instead of choosing…
Unquestioning Obedience
I think I always trusted that you could wrestle with God, but felt there was a warning, or at least a caveat. If you wrestle with him, you’ll come away with a limp. So, if you want the easiest life, just trust him implicitly. I remember a time when I felt uncomfortable and said to…
Children of the Wilderness
The Israelite children who grew up in the desert saw nothing but provision and miracles. They didn’t know that normal shoes wear down each year. They took for granted food dripping from the sky, and the visible proof of God’s presence.
Before You Receive
It’s hard to be vulnerable enough to receive with thankfulness. Don’t make these assumptions when you receive gifts.
Before You Give
Things to think about before you give and receive gifts in our privileged society.
House of Wisdom
This makes me think I should be more concerned with my private intentions than what books are in the library.
On the Floor, Not at the Table
It’s my understanding that sitting at a Rabbi’s feet showed a posture of learning. You were their disciple if you sat at there. This is why it was so significant that Mary, a woman, sat at Jesus’ feet instead of tending the home in the Mary/Martha story.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
You weren’t made for the sole viewing pleasure of the masses.
The Hevel that You Know
The point of our life is not to vote for the hevel that you know, but to bring God’s kingdom to earth as it operates in heaven.