Ephesians 2, Part 1 True follower of Jesus, did you know you used to be dead? In Ephesians 2, verses 1–3, Paul writes: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdomContinue reading “True followers of Jesus used to be dead”
Tag Archives: life
A surprising eulogy for God
Ephesians 1:3–14, Part 1 Here’s some insider pastoral info for you: when we counsel the family of the deceased, and when we officiate their funerals, we pastors sometimes straight up lie, talking about how great they were and how for sure they are in heaven. In reality pastors do not know that for a fact,Continue reading “A surprising eulogy for God”
It was 57 degrees in our house, and I was…
Ephesians 1:3–14, Preview As I type this, I’m sitting on the sofa in my living room. It’s 11:30am Friday morning. Why am I not sitting in my office? Normally I would be. I’m at home because this morning we woke up to the feeling of cold air inside our house. Nothing was wrong. Last nightContinue reading “It was 57 degrees in our house, and I was…”
Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1
In 2009, a husband and wife from my church, both full-time teachers, took sabbaticals to spend an entire year as substitute missionaries in Kenya. Because theirs were full-year sabbaticals, they received 50% pay. Another option would be to take six-month sabbaticals at 100% pay, which is standard for teachers. But the school in Kenya, RiftContinue reading “Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1”
My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview
My Amish neighbors are out there with their loud leaf blower at all hours of the day, blowing every speck of rubbish. Nearly every day. And their blower is loud. Why? They absolutely do not need to do that. Yet they do. I love Lancaster County where I’ve lived all my life. But I haveContinue reading “My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview”
Have you experienced the pain of unlearning? – 1st Thessalonians 2:13–3:13, Part 1
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 35 years who now works in international fair trade. Have you had the experience of unlearning? We all know what learning is. It’s when you didn’t know something, you didn’t know how to do something, or maybe something youContinue reading “Have you experienced the pain of unlearning? – 1st Thessalonians 2:13–3:13, Part 1”
Famous last words – 1 Kings 1—2, Preview
We often use the phrase “famous last words” in the wrong context. For example, if your spouse is doing a home improvement project, they might say to you, “I am going to run over to the store, get what I need, and then the project should take a couple hours.” You’ve been down this roadContinue reading “Famous last words – 1 Kings 1—2, Preview”
Pastor, that’s the dumbest thing you ever said – Speaking life to each other, Part 4
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “Pastor, that’s the dumbest thing you ever said – Speaking life to each other, Part 4”
What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview
What brings you life? I enjoy coffee. A good workout or run. Most any book. A great TV show or film, especially if it’s sci-fi. I could list many more activities that bring me life. What do you notice about the direction of what I’ve listed above? The activities I’ve listed all move in theContinue reading “What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview”
Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview
Ever been involved in a conversation like this in your home? Person #1: “What would you like for dinner tonight?” Person #2: “I don’t care. I’m okay with whatever.” Person #1: “But I need you to give me something to go on. What are you hungry for?” Person #2: “Seriously. Anything. I don’t care. WhateverContinue reading “Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 