We are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.Ephesians 2:10 - Believe the Good News! I am probably not the only social commentator who has noticed the insistent, persistent spirit of negativity, cynicism, and pessimism that seems …
Continue reading Don’t let cynicism and negativity take the upper hand. Good News is Real!
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."Isaiah 60 Salvation is joining in with God, becoming partners in God's initiatives of light, justice, mercy, grace, peace, love... …
Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I …
Continue reading Antidote to “The Loss of Wonder” – Photo Friday
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."Matthew 6:19-21 - new glasses! …
Continue reading New glasses, and seeing clearly what we don’t need
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. - 1 Timothy 6:17 - stock image Too often, wanting to post a few thoughts for the day …
Continue reading When the words won’t come – and a prayer for America
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.1 Corinthians 12:4-6 These past few weeks have involved a lot of visits to eye doctors for my …
Continue reading Everyone Counts! Why we need even the weakest among us!
- so many flags, so many nations, so many people we can learn from There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God …
Continue reading Travel, learning, humility, isolation, and “The Asocial Network”
People were bringing babies to Jesus so that he would bless them. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. Then Jesus called them to him and said, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a …
When the Magi saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.Matthew 2:10-11 - NC writer Derek Maul According to Merriam-Webster, epiphany can be defined as …
Continue reading A January 6 Epiphany – grant us wisdom, grant us courage
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.Psalm 90:12 - NC writer Derek Maul This is the day I look back on 2021 and check the statistics. The numbers are interesting, and promising across the board. Health, fitness, reach, influence, even solvency(!) - it's all good. Numbers don't tell anywhere …
Continue reading Some encouraging stats from 2021 – and goals for 2022
Derek Maul: Words and Photographs for the Journey 