Day Eight – True Wisdom…
As I listen to the news, read the various feeds on my computer and click on links to things that interest me I walk away with a primary observation; “Have we lost our minds?”
We have this instruction from the Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians… “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15–17)
There is a lot of foolishness of our days; Social media,…Read More>
Day Nine – Life is Hard but God is Good!
Years ago I heard a song by Billy Sprague called LaVie. It resonated with me on many levels.
O la vie est dure, That much is sure, Mais Dieu est bon si bon
Through the fire & the rain, I call Him by name, And when the night is long,
I remember mais Dieu est bon
Some say tighten your grip, Keep a stiff upper lip, Life goes on, But the stoics are wrong
They know half of the story & none of the glory, For they do not know Dieu est bon
From the French O la vie est dure, Mais Dieu est bon si bon – means; Life is Hard but God is Good! The world knows the LIFE IS HARD…Read More>
Day Ten -Two Words…
A close friend showed me this truth and as I studied I began to see how profound it was. There is a pattern we find in many places in the Gospels stories about Jesus. Jesus dealing with a person will often speak two words to them; the first word is meant to change them, the second word is meant to change their circumstance. We find this over and over again…Read More>
Day Eleven – Journey…
I like winding country roads and hiking in the North Carolina mountains with switch back logging roads deep in the woods, it makes me smile just to imagine that landscape. As a Boy Scout, I learned orienteering, how to use a map and compass to find my way in the woods. Living in Destin, Florida; I had charge of a 45’ sailboat and I studied celestial navigation. It raises a question; How to get from where we are to where we want to be? Life’s a journey, a favorite metaphor but more so an accurate picture. At the end of Luke’s Gospel we have a specific seven mile walk recorded from Jerusalem to Emmaus. For Cleopas and his companion it’s a burdened journey, with hearts weighed down by the cruel events of their day. They walk a road of broken dreams and what they perceive as failed redemption. On this road, a disguised Jesus draws near, the embodiment of their salvation & liberation. It was a walk from darkness to light; death to life. In resurrection appearances found in the gospels there is familiarity and mystery; recognition and confusion; enlightenment, revelation and bewilderment, veiling shadows: surprise and hope against despair, doubt and grief. A few things to consider…Read More>
Day Twelve – The Pilgrims Way…
Historically The Canterbury Trail runs through England from Winchester to Canterbury. I was visiting a friend who was the priest in Dorking a small English village south of London that borders on the Canterbury Trail and while there we walked a few miles of this legendary pilgrim’s path. We took in beautiful views, farms and gardens that harkened back to a more simple time and way of life.
In most journeys we are looking to the destination. When I load my GPS it is about getting from Point A to Point B. This map-gadget will remind me of my how I am doing, what kind of time I am making and to be honest especially as a “guy” I want to beat the time…Read More>
Day Thirteen – Being…
What is a LIFE? This is a very pointed question that has scientific, philosophical, religious, anthropological and practical answers. Is a life about possessions? Is a life about achievements? Is a life about power? Is a life about relationships? Those are some common ways to measure a life.
We could talk about life as a series of decisions and actions…Read More>
Day Fourteen – Knowing…
Identity involves a sense of knowing as well. Life is a constant learning and we should never leave the posture of a student. We study for education, for business, to gain knowledge and become more proficient at tasks. I have spent most of my academics in studying theology. The last few years as I took over a ministry that was failing because of a broken business model I have been reading more about leadership and business paradigms, corporate structure and fundraising. I love my books and might have the same problem that the Roman Scholar Erasmus had when he said… When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes…Read More>
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