Advent 2025, Week 1: Psalm 112, Part 4 When we are in dark, difficult situations, we are often self-focused, wallowing in our misfortune and hurt. It is not wrong to sit with our pain. In fact sitting in our pain is needed for a time. As I mentioned in the previous post, when we feelContinue reading “Ancient wisdom for the dark times in life”
Tag Archives: brokenness
Mighty children and fabulous wealth
Advent 2025, Week 1: Psalm 112, Part 3 Two of the primary hopes parents long for is (1) that their children do well, and (2) that they have enough money to provide for their kids. Parents can expend mountains of emotional energy on these two important concerns throughout the parenting years, and even long afterContinue reading “Mighty children and fabulous wealth”
How David’s dysfunctional family teaches us about love, boundaries, and deflating drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 5
In 2 Samuel chapter 15, David’s son Absalom is scheming again. This time he has his sights on the biggest prize. The throne. In verses 1-6, Absalom starts acting and talking to people like a king would act and talk. He rides a chariot with an entourage. He pronounces rulings by the city gate. HeContinue reading “How David’s dysfunctional family teaches us about love, boundaries, and deflating drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 5”
A Lament for Dark Days – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Preview
“Hello darkness, my old friend.” Can you imagine singing that lyric during a worship service? No? Me neither. It’s the start of the Simon & Garfunkel song “The Sound of Silence.” Great song, but we probably wouldn’t sing it as a praise to God in a worship service. What about this line: “Why, O Lord,Continue reading “A Lament for Dark Days – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Preview”
Why humility, teachability and the Korean concept of Han are vital to confession – Advent Psalm of Confession, Part 5
As we learned in the previous post, when we confess our sins, we are trusting in God. But there’s more. When we confess our sins, here is what we are to do next, as David writes in Psalm 32, verses 8-9, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; IContinue reading “Why humility, teachability and the Korean concept of Han are vital to confession – Advent Psalm of Confession, Part 5”
When life falls apart in an instant – John 18, Preview
The phone call with bad news. The discovery of indiscretion. The revealing of a lie. The sudden accident. The vote that goes the other way. The response of “No.” So quickly we realize the fragility of life. It’s amazing how fast life can change, isn’t it? My guess is that all of us have experiencedContinue reading “When life falls apart in an instant – John 18, Preview”
Dealing with that difficult family member – John 7:1-52, Part 1
What does your Jesus box look like? You all have one. In fact, it is something that you created. It has a unique shape and size, based on what you think Jesus is like. Take a moment and think about it. What do you think Jesus is like? Is your perception of Jesus correct? AsContinue reading “Dealing with that difficult family member – John 7:1-52, Part 1”
Is the breakdown of the family the cause of societal collapse? – Relationships: Family, Part 1
Some of our favorite television shows of all time are about families. Did you watch Father Knows Best? Leave it to Beaver? The Brady Bunch? When Michelle and I were young parents, we loved Parenthood about the Braverman family, led by parents Zeke and Camille and their four adult children and many grandkids, who allContinue reading “Is the breakdown of the family the cause of societal collapse? – Relationships: Family, Part 1”
Relationships: Series Preview
Who are your closest relationships? Think about the top five to ten people who are your best friends. When I mention the category “friends,” that list could also include family members. Sometimes we have the distinct pleasure of being friends with our family. Michelle and I have thoroughly enjoyed the transition from being parents ofContinue reading “Relationships: Series Preview”
How to change, when change seems impossible – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 5
Have you ever felt like the guy in the picture? He seems afraid to take off the mask. Changing ourselves can be very difficult, even when we want to change. But it is possible. Keep reading to discover how. Today we conclude our study through Colossians 3:5-11, which we started here. In verse 10, PaulContinue reading “How to change, when change seems impossible – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 