Speaking Truth to Power

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.—Psalm 139:1-2 (ESV)

Our society has clung to the idea of speaking truth to power in an effort to effect change. The term often is used in the face of perceived oppression or powerlessness. What if the powers to (more…)

Found Faithful, Finding Favor

If you’re like me, you admire some famous person about whom you find yourself thinking, “Imagine what he or she could do for God with that kind of talent.” But the people God uses aren’t necessarily powerful or prominent or popular. They’re ordinary people who demonstrate extraordinary faith and faithfulness. And because of that, God shows them favor.

In the days of (more…)

Serve Fruit at Your Holiday Gathering

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23

Our gatherings with friends and loved ones may look a little different this year—possibly smaller, possibly more sparse. Your guest list may be limited by COVID concerns. Your menu may be limited by availability or budget. But no (more…)

The Patience of . . . Noah?

And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him. Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came on the earth—Genesis 7:5-6

When we think about a biblical role model for patience, our minds naturally go to Job, the character who inspired the saying “the patience of Job.” Few of us would have remained so steadfast in the face of so much loss. (more…)

Living Sacrifices in a Dying World

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.—Romans 12:1

Christians often struggle with the concept of worship. Is it praising God through song? Is it augmenting the experience with lights, sound and other media? It can be. But, my friends, it’s (more…)