Éleos is Greek for “mercy” as it is defined by loyalty to God’s covenant; pity; compassion. God’s éleos is stunning, and the Book of Nehemiah highlights it along with our need for a Savior and the lengths He goes to prove His love and mercy to us. In Nehemiah 9:6, the people begin praising the Lord, rehearsing all the wonderful things He did from Abram to the present, beautifully recounting the mercy of the Lord. Then in verse 16, their prayer takes a turn. “But our ancestors acted arrogantly; they became stiff-necked and did … [Read more...]
Is Jesus Really All You Need?
“All you need is Jesus.” Ever heard that phrase? In the evangelical world that I consider myself a part of, this phrase is constantly proclaimed as the very essence of the Christian faith. All I need is my personal relationship with Jesus. Everything else may be helpful, but not necessary to live out my Christian faith. I know I have preached the same message. I've offered that message as counsel. I've even lived this message in my Christian faith. But is that all that there is to it? I don’t think so. Radical … [Read more...]
What To Do When You Hit a Bad Light Cycle
I love it when I hit every green light on my way to my destination. Smooth sailing all the way. The truth is, it feels so right that many times I don't really pay attention to the ease of the trip. Everything is as it should be. But I also know how it feels to hit every red light along the way, especially when I'm in a hurry. Can't seem to catch a break and the timing is off – at every intersection. Nothing is as it should be. Sometimes life is like that, too. Some seasons seem like everything is running as smoothly as a … [Read more...]
Lent: Meeting Jesus in the Wilderness
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. Matthew 4:1 For those unfamiliar with the liturgical calendar of the Christian church, one of the most important times of the year occurs during the 40 days leading up to Easter—a season called Lent. For Christians who take this season seriously, Lent is more than giving up chocolate; it’s a time of sober reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus; a time when we internalize Christ’s life and death by practicing self-denial and self-reflection. During … [Read more...]