We are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” says Psalm 139:14. When life is good, this seems a glorious mystery. When someone finds themselves stuck in the painful waves of unresolved trauma, this same mystery feels terrifying. Someone in this place of fear and confusion ought to find shelter in the church. Followers of Jesus ought to […]
Make an offering of frustration.
The fall schedule is upon us! After more than a year of everyone in my family being in the same place all the time, life has exploded. Four different schools and school schedules, three different jobs and work schedules, church roles, life management. I like new starts usually. For me, fall has always meant anticipation […]
When deconstruction comes from hope.
If you’re worried about the number of Christian folks who are deconstructing, take a deep breath. If you’re experiencing it yourself, no need to panic. I’ve had a tangible experience of deconstruction these past few weeks that clarified how it is often a necessary and healthy experience.
Are you doing your faith?
Last weekend I hosted the Writers Advance. I want to talk about it briefly, but before you click away thinking this doesn’t apply to you, give me about four minutes. This retreat reminded me of something crucial to healthy spiritual growth.
Lent Reflection – Do I find myself condemning other’s faith or spiritual practice?
We’re up to the 43rd day of Lent, Holy Wednesday. I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditation. Mark 14:1-9 is the scripture today, when a woman anoints Jesus to the surprise and consternation of the other […]
Lent Reflection – Am I drawn to apocalyptic end-time teaching?
Today is the 42nd day of Lent, and Holy Tuesday. This year I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditation. Luke 21:5-33 is the scripture today, where Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple in apocalyptic terms..
Lent Reflection – Do I mistake my religious observance for a life that pleases God?
Today is the 41st day of Lent, Holy Monday. Following Palm Sunday yesterday, now we accompany Jesus through the final week of his life. I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations in response. The reading today […]
Lent Reflection – Do I expect Jesus to make my life and the world what I want it to be?
Today is the 40th day of Lent, Palm Sunday, and the beginning of Holy Week. I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations in response. Luke 19:28-44 is the selected scripture today, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem […]
Lent Reflection – Am I driven by fear of loss and death?
Today is the 39th day of Lent. I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations in response. John 19:38-42 is the scripture today, the burial of Jesus.
Lent Reflection – Do I think Jesus’ crucifixion was mainly meant to benefit me?
Today is the 36th day of Lent. I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations in response. The reading today is Luke 23:39-43, Jesus crucified between two condemned men…
Lent Reflection – Do I have a need for God to be violent?
We’re up to the 35th day of Lent. I’m continuing reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations. Luke 23:33-38 is today’s scripture. Jesus is crucified but still forgives.
Lent Reflection – Am I tempted to ignore injustice?
This is the 34th day of Lent. I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations. Join me as we spend the next few days drawing close to the cross. The scripture today is Luke 23:27-31, when the […]
Lent Reflection – Am I driven to avoid discomfort and insecurity?
Today is the 33nd day of Lent. I’m continuing with Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations. The scripture today is John 12:20-33, where Jesus talks about what it really means to follow him.
Lent Reflection – Do I serve others even when it costs me?
Today is the 32nd day of Lent. I’m continuing with Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) meditations. Today’s passage is Mark 15:21, a single verse that offers us a fascinating glimpse into the life of the early church.
Lent Reflection – Am I dying with Jesus?
Good morning and welcome to the 31st day of Lent. As a part of my practice this year, I’m reading Brian Zahnd’s Lent devotional, The Unvarnished Jesus. I journal on the scripture he’s selected and his reflection, then I post daily (or near-daily) in response. John 19:16-17 is the scripture today. Jesus carries his cross.