Last week at our church, our pastor did something a little unusual. He handed out a list of prayer needs regarding people in our congregation and their loved ones. My church isn't huge; we run around 400 on an average Sunday. But I looked at the typed pages in my hand and felt a little overwhelmed. Cancer. Shoulder injuries. Autoimmune disease. Back and neck issues. Neurological disorders. Diabetes. Depression. That's not even all the categories, nor was every need of our congregation on the list. So much need. So much brokenness and frailty. So much death at work in our bodies and Continue Reading
Why This Commonly Assumed Idea Needs to be Reexamined
Ever suddenly notice a phrase or idea that everyone commonly uses, and then stop to think about whether you actually agree with it? I'm not a big fan of group-think, so I find myself doing this fairly often. The latest term I've decided to scrutinize is "unprotected sex." I work at a pregnancy help center, and avoiding unprotected sex is a mantra which our clients hear from their schools, the media and the health department all day long. Be sure to use birth control properly. That's the rule of today's religion du jur ... the religion that worships sexual Continue Reading
How Chasing This Good Feeling Ends Up Draining You
I hate to admit this, but I found myself acting out a negative cultural value recently. Translation: I behaved in a way that is common to our society, but contrary to biblical principles. (Ever find yourself there?) It all started after work one day last week. I see that my Kindle cover has arrived, so I open the package, all happy that now I can protect my new device. But alas! The cover is too big. Frustrated, I start searching for a better cover on line, despite being really tired. It takes some time to find what I am looking for at the right price. Continue Reading
How This Favorite Psalm Reveals the Patterns of Your Life
You probably know it by heart. Many a soldier huddled in a fox hole has spoken its words of solace while in the thick of battle. Many a sick loved one has clung to its life-giving words on the comforting lips of a visitor. I took a fresh look at Psalm 23 recently and found myself paying particular attention to the verbs in it. The Shepherd of whom this poetic song speaks is anything but passive. Watch what he does for the "sheep" (you and me). He: Makes me lie down in green pastures Leads me beside still waters Refreshes my soul Then Continue Reading