Creative Space for Wanderers
One of the joys I’ve had in this life is the time I’ve spent with youth and young children. Their perspective on life is untainted, pure, and honest–at least at the youngest end of the spectrum. Our modern culture shatters innocence far too early. As a reluctant middle school pastor, I learned this years ago. …
Last night The LOT Project was overflowing with people from the surrounding community and a host of volunteers from Gospel Light Church and more. AnMed was there again to encourage and administer free flu shots as cases mount to infect some of the most vulnerable in our area. Special thanks to Bobbie Blake for organizing …
Shortly after publishing the last post, Seeing Jesus, three people unsubscribed to my blog. Perhaps I hit a nerve. Or maybe I’m finally speaking about some truth that needs to be exposed. I’m not the least bit offended by someone unsubscribing from this blog. Honestly, there is nothing profound about my words. Still, I enjoy …
We need to remember the power of prayer, especially as we think of those that are living in desperate conditions. I’m sure you will agree with me that there is great power in prayer. Just last week, I heard a testimony that spoke to this power and the comfort that it brought when a handful …
In the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises expectations to new heights across a wide swath of issues. The list includes murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, revenge, loving our enemies, prayer, fasting, greed, worrying, judging, and giving to the needy. 1 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen …
Many of the psalms are attributed to King David. Frequently, we read words of desperation, prayers for help in times of trouble. But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. But as for me, …
Not everyone has the capacity to provide material things for others, but the Apostle John provides this simple reminder for those who can help: If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? One of …
What if serving those in need was more than merely a good thing to do? Job makes his case in chapter 31: 13 “If I have denied justice to any of my servants, whether male or female, when they had a grievance against me, 14 what will I do when God confronts me? What will …
Continue reading “Serving those in Need: Holy Responsibility”
To what degree do we systemically oppress the poor? The question arises amid the popular notion of social justice in our society. The young-adult generation sees social justice as a means to defend the rights of those who are otherwise overlooked. Most forget the fact that the concept is deeply ingrained in the Bible. This …
The NIV translation of Romans 12:13 is quite appealing: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. I love the idea that we are to practice hospitality. Years ago, I wanted to publish a magazine with the title, Practicing Parents. I kept the domain name for years, but alas, I never followed …