Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:2 NLT Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed …
Continue reading Why I love to teach (hint: it’s not because I know stuff)
Companion to the idea that we ask for just "three dollars worth of God" is the truth that we are more comfortable only offering God two dollars worth of ourselves.
It's too easy to become complacent and remain wedded to "the way we've always experienced/done/understood..." But God's love is not only new every morning, it's radically transformative. We too readily resist God's ongoing work in and through us.
Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her. - Luke 1:26-38 Believe it or not, we're less than a week away from Christmas Day! Mathematically, with Christmas falling on a Sunday, this year has been the longest Advent possible. But …
Absent an encounter with the Living Christ, Christmas remains a sweet story, with warm overtones of cultural nostalgia, something you really do put back in a box and stuff in the attic till next year.That narrative is neither real, nor worthy of much anticipation...
Sunday Morning: do this - We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 Saturday was full with our awesome grandchildren (up to our eyeballs in love and fun), so I didn't get a chance to post a single word of …
There has been a huge and positive response to yesterday's stories from my long Greyhound Bus ride. If you haven't read the post, please take a few moments to catch up by clicking on "the view from the bus." Traveling hooked me up with several interesting and challenging conversations, but I also had some time to get …
Continue reading Made for relationship with God; made in the likeness of God; made of God…
In Thursday's post (Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?) I promised to revisit the William Tyndale story. The Bible translator - burned to death in 1536, was the victim of brute force repression (by church and state) in response to the fear that ordinary people would have access to the extraordinary resource of scripture. As a teacher, …
Continue reading that beautiful, dangerous, radical, challenging, liberating Bible…
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the …
Continue reading transformation and the moving of the Spirit
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” - Luke 2:29-32 Yes, we have a beautiful home; yes, …
Derek Maul: Words, Photographs, and Food for the Journey 