I did finally talk with my friend at jail today. The judge gave him the full 16 years in prison. He was very reflective today. "I got what I deserved," he said. He added that in the last two years he has known in his spirit many times that he should not choose to do wrong,Continue reading "A 16-year Prison Sentence"
No Condemnation … how many really get that?
At the jail on Sunday, one of the brothers said he was to stand before the judge today. I've haven't talked with him yet. He told us yesterday he's up for 15 years. He said his family and friends had forsaken him. He said, "I just keep condeming myself," tears rolling down his face.One of the greatestContinue reading "No Condemnation … how many really get that?"
God is patient
Today at the jail service my ministry colleague – Z.B. – was really on. He ministered to an 18-year-old young man who said he was feeling oppressed. Z.B., who spent several years in prison about 15 years ago, was sensitive and ministered to this young fellow while about 12 other guys looked on. The 18-year-old said heContinue reading "God is patient"
Sinners are now Saints!
It's absolutely true that in our weakness God's power is revealed. Sadly, the broken often feel they have nothing to offer. The legalistic folks feel their perfection is what makes them valuable. Both are wrong. We are most honest and effective as we minister out of our brokenness. Others are healed through our vulnerability. What a paradoxContinue reading "Sinners are now Saints!"
Why we do what we do and why do we respond the way we do?
I was talking with a pastor this week and asked him what motivated him. It was clear he wants to be loved and accepted for his work in the kingdom. Being liked really motivates him. Others are motivated by being right or being in control. There are weaknesses to both sides. Overemphasizing love can leadContinue reading "Why we do what we do and why do we respond the way we do?"
Jesus’ mission statement
Someone said to me, "You better have your own personal mission statement if you're going to finish well." I think that's a little goofey, but do I understand that it can help know where you're going.So I started imagining someone telling Jesus he should have a mission statement, which made me laugh. I was reading the Beatitudes, when I suddenly thought, "That'sContinue reading "Jesus’ mission statement"
If you really wanted to punch me hard…
I think about my own inconsistencies when I read Luke 14:1-6, and it scares me... On a Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees. That particular day everyone was watching Jesus closely. There was a man there with swollen legs and arms. So Jesus asks theContinue reading "If you really wanted to punch me hard…"
Choosing not to officiate … for a very good reason
This last weekend I got to see my best friend from undergraduate days. I saw his oldest son get married and I preached at his church on Sunday. Here is my friend's weekly congregational note to his church family. What an interesting, clear explanation to his congregation of why he does not officiate at hisContinue reading "Choosing not to officiate … for a very good reason"
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