I was groaning a lot when I did my taxes recently. I dread doing taxes because the tax forms can be so frustrating. My family has a number of unique circumstances that intensify the frustration. I am pastor, which means I get a housing allowance. My wife operated a business. I have education expenses. FinallyContinue reading “Hope for those who are groaning – Easter 2020, Romans 8, Part 3”
Tag Archives: Paul
Creativity can set you free – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 1
I heard from some in my congregation, after the events of this past Wednesday January 6, 2021, the breaching of the US Capitol building by Trump-supporting extremists, that they were really struggling. What is going on in our country? How do we Christians respond? We can feel trapped in our uncertainty about how to respond.Continue reading “Creativity can set you free – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 1”
How to have victory over darkness – Acts 13, Part 3
Do you ever sense the battle of light versus dark, good versus evil? Do sense that there might be a spiritual war going on? Do you ever feel defeated? It is possible to have victory over darkness. In our study through Acts we’ve see that battle numerous times. In chapter 8 Philip faced off againstContinue reading “How to have victory over darkness – Acts 13, Part 3”
How a big basket teaches us to pursue Jesus’ mission during the pandemic (or any other time)- Acts 9:1-31, Part 3
Are you thinking differently about any aspects of life because of the coronavirus pandemic? I am. As I, and every single other person, was wearing a mask in the grocery story the other, it struck me how rapidly things change. Three months ago, if you told me that scene was about to happen in justContinue reading “How a big basket teaches us to pursue Jesus’ mission during the pandemic (or any other time)- Acts 9:1-31, Part 3”
When Jesus asks you to help your enemy – Acts 9:1-31, Part 2
Who in your life is very difficult? Who bothers you? Who is that person you really try to avoid? Maybe it is more than one person. Let’s start by thinking about that person. What makes them so distasteful to you that you want to avoid them? Keep that in mind, because today we meet aContinue reading “When Jesus asks you to help your enemy – Acts 9:1-31, Part 2”
How to welcome those who are difficult for you – Philemon 8-25, Part 5
Who is difficult for you? Think about it. Who are the people you really struggle with? Does it seem like it would be awful to welcome them into your life? How should you treat them? If Paul’s message to Philemon is our guide, then what we do will be self-sacrificial, it will be radical, itContinue reading “How to welcome those who are difficult for you – Philemon 8-25, Part 5”
The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to forgive someone who hurt you? Did you find it difficult to do so? It can be scary to forgive, especially when the pain runs deep. Will that person respect your forgiveness? What if they hurt you again? Are they really sorry? How do youContinue reading “The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.”
How Jesus redefines “family” – Philemon 8-25, Part 3
How do you define “family”? Biologically? Qualitatively? Some other way? As we continue studying Philemon verses 8-25, today we’re going to see Paul explain how Jesus defines family, and get ready, it is shocking. So what did Paul say? Let’s continue his flow of thought from what we already learned in Part 1 and 2Continue reading “How Jesus redefines “family” – Philemon 8-25, Part 3″
How to help people see things from a different perspective – Philemon 8-25, Part 1
There have been some illusions in recent years that have become internet sensations. Like the dress that was either white/gold or blue/black, or the computer voice that says “laurel” or “yanny.” Now there is the bird or the bunny. Which do you see? It’s wild how the mind works! It is actually a bird, butContinue reading “How to help people see things from a different perspective – Philemon 8-25, Part 1”
Be a Refresher of Hearts! Philemon 1-7, Part 5
How do people come away from interacting with you? Think about some of the recent times that you have interacted with people. Maybe it was your family members. Perhaps it was co-workers. Or even social media posts. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the people who were with you, or who were readingContinue reading “Be a Refresher of Hearts! Philemon 1-7, Part 5”
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