“We love because he first loved us.” —1 John 4:19 This year, the beginning of Lent and Valentine’s Day coincided on Wednesday. That seemed so fitting to me, because Lent marks the moment in the traditional Christian calendar when we turn our attention to the cross and resurrection of Jesus. And as 1 … [Read More…] February 18, 2024
One of the things I’ve discovered as I’ve traveled is just how well the Bible speaks to various cultures. For example, in the passage we’re looking at this Sunday, Luke 4:31–44, we see Jesus demonstrating His power over both supernatural evil forces and biological human dysfunction. Jesus is Lord over demons and diseases. His power … [Read More…] February 11, 2024
I think we sometimes forget just how radically Jesus’ life changed after His baptism. He grew up in the small town of Nazareth. His early years were spent learning and growing. Eventually, He became an apprentice in the family trade, learning carpentry from Joseph. He built friendships. He cultivated faith. He cared for others. … [Read More…] February 4, 2024
Have you ever tried to fix something with the wrong tools? A month ago, our home espresso maker, which we’ve had since our seminary days, developed a problem. A nut securing one of the valves had vibrated loose. It seemed like a simple problem to fix. Just get a wrench and tighten the nut. … [Read More…] January 28, 2024
This Sunday we’re looking at the message John the Baptist proclaimed as the forerunner of the Messiah. And it’s all about repentance. Repentance is hard for us. We don’t like facing our shortcomings and failures. We don’t like the waves of shame and guilt that arise. We don’t enjoy the pain of contrition. Repentance … [Read More…] January 21, 2024
I got my hopes up this week. The weather forecasters were calling for serious snowfall on Monday and Tuesday, and our family was getting excited. Last year there was so little snow, we missed out on sledding and some of our other favorite winter activities. So to say the least, we were delighted at the … [Read More…] January 14, 2024
This Sunday we begin the second part of our study through the Gospel of Luke, which we’ve subtitled, “Hope Breaks Through.” Hope is powerful. When you know the sun will rise, you can get through the night. We can endure the darkness, knowing the dawn is about to break through. The light of redemption … [Read More…] January 7, 2024
Happy New Year! I can’t believe 2024 is already just around the corner. How time flies! So many of us will be making New Year’s resolutions in the coming hours. This is the year when we’ll lose those extra pounds, kick that stubborn habit, and finally gain forward momentum! We always seem to … [Read More…] December 31, 2023
Merry Christmas from our family to yours! It seems like Christmas rushed upon us this year. We’ve been running hard to finish up with school, get all our presents wrapped and under the tree, attend all those festive gatherings with friends, and sneak in some family holiday traditions whenever we can. And now it’s here. … [Read More…] December 24, 2023
One of the things Dr. Luke emphasizes in the Gospel he’s writing is just how much Jesus loves the poor, the outcasts, and those on the fringes of society. The Gospel is good news for the poor, because you don’t need any social status to receive grace. Grace is the great equalizer. Only those who … [Read More…] December 17, 2023
