Mercy is one of our Father’s many magnificent attributes. Those of us who have found mercy – who have been kissed by God’s mercy – need not have it explained to us. Those who have never known it can never understand it, no matter how eloquent the explanation offered. Mercy rescued me, a guilty sinner … Read more
This morning I’m reposting a wonderful blog that Jennifer Rothschild wrote back in February of 2016. It beautifully considers the story of Hosea and Gomer and wrestles with the idea of how we far too often throw love away. As always, I’ve included reflective questions at the end. Enjoy! P. Gene The Incredible Scandal of … Read more
This is a continuation of yesterday’s blog. Please see the introduction to that blog if you missed it. P. Gene Keeping Life in Perspective Sin always brings some form of death. Always. Jesus always brings life. Always. Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal … Read more
There’s a beautiful and oft-overlooked promise in the book of Exodus. There, God describes Himself as “a jealous God” who visits “the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate” Him, but shows “steadfast love to thousands of those who love” Him and keep His … Read more
Power and authority are often put for the same thing, but they’re very different. Many mothers, for instance, often have very little power, but have tremendous authority. While love will cause you to lose power, leaving you vulnerable – as it does – to hurt, it will give you something far greater than power; it … Read more
Power and love are both highly sought-after entities, but we don’t often consider how they relate to one another. Tony Campolo, professor emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University, has shared some interesting thoughts on this subject from a Christian perspective over the years (see The Power Delusion, 1983, and Which Jesus? Choosing Between Love and … Read more
“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there … Read more
Lent has traditionally been a time for believers to consider, in humility, who we truly are before the Lord. It’s a time for acknowledging our need, our ‘lostness’ without Him. It reminds us of Jesus words, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). All that we are and all that we shall become … Read more
Yesterday’s blog considered the leper that Jesus healed with a word and with a touch. As I mentioned, touching lepers was just not done. It was unhealthy, risky, socially unacceptable. But Jesus chose that path to bring healing to this outcast. I think it says something about Jesus’ idea of preaching. One morning, very early, … Read more