Category Archives: Odds & Ends

Was Jesus a White, Male, Patriarch?

In some circles today, that represents the trifecta of much/most of what is wrong with the world. For some in those circles, this animus is passed on to Jesus because He is viewed by them as belonging to these categories.  Was Jesus a white, male, patriarch? While we don’t exactly what color Jesus’ skin was,Continue reading “Was Jesus a White, Male, Patriarch?”

Our Kind of Song

The time was the 1920’s. During those hardscrabble years leading up to the Depression, there was a husband, his wife, and her sister who were trying to make a go of it by singing the songs of the mountain people of rural southwest Virginia. They released a song that has been found in a hymnalContinue reading “Our Kind of Song”

God At Work In Our Worship

Worship is coming together at special times, with special people, to do special things that remind us that all of life is worship.  Everything you need is in that definition. It has ambiguity, paradox, and borders on being circular—what more could you ask for? Here’s something unambiguous—worship is God’s idea!  The sacrifices, rituals, and feasts ofContinue reading “God At Work In Our Worship”

A Teenage Girl Sings Of God

It’s good to be thankful and give praise to God. It’s even better to live a life of gratitude that seeks to honor God. Gratitude and praise are a lifestyle, not an occasional moment or even a seasonal celebration. We treat them that way when we live with a sense of priority and urgency inContinue reading “A Teenage Girl Sings Of God”

A Faith Full Of Questions

One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.  (Chinese proverb) Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.  (Pablo Picasso) To be on a quest is nothing more or less than to become an asker of questions.  (Sam Keen) Judge others byContinue reading “A Faith Full Of Questions”

Calling All Dads

Dads, Let me go ahead and wish you a Happy Fathers’ Day! You don’t need me to tell you that being a father today is as challenging as it has ever been. Our children receive so many compromised and destructive messages from our culture. In that light, I wanted to encourage and challenge you toContinue reading “Calling All Dads”

God’s Will And Circumstances

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are concerned with David’s ascension to the throne of Israel.  The writer wants Israel to know that the great king, the man after God’s heart, didn’t come into power through coercion, duplicity, or coup.  He waited on God.  He put his trust in Yahweh to bring him to the throne when the timeContinue reading “God’s Will And Circumstances”

Don’t Put Air In That Balloon!

Little children love balloons.  I suppose they’re attracted to the bright colors, the texture and “give” when you push in on them, and most of all, by the way they magically float in the air.  But balloons are not much unless someone puts some air (helium) in them.  They’re just limp, lifeless, and uninspiring.  SomeoneContinue reading “Don’t Put Air In That Balloon!”