In late November and early December 2012, Lavone and I were priviledged to be on sabbatical in the Holy Land. During that time we visited Bethlehem and found this nativity carving. It has since become a Christmas icon in our home during Advent and Christmas. We love the symbolism of this nativity—the Holy Couple, with …
Tag Archives: Love
Renewal is NOT a Missional Work-Around
Spiritual renewal requires followers of Jesus to be shaped (or “discipled”) into the KIND of people who become agents of God’s renewal. IF renewal happens, it normally happens first to them and then through them to and for others. It is common for us to read the remarkable report on Pentecost Sunday (Acts 2) and …
TO STAND UP TO STAND WITH
Followers of Messiah Jesus know that the world is often upside down and inside out relative to the Kingdom of God. We expect therefore to encounter hatred not love; selfishness not sacrifice; violence not gentleness; and bearing of crosses not crowns. We expect this because we are followers of Jesus. In recent days, followers of …
A Barren Tree and a Barren Temple
Why did Jesus pick on the poor fig tree? Especially when it wasn’t time for figs to be ripe? Well, Mark tells us Jesus was hungry (Mark 11:12). Apparently, then, Jesus became “hangry?” He saw the leaves and went to see if by chance this tree fruited earlier than usual. Then, when it didn’t, Jesus …
Fight Pandemic with Pandemic
As we all know, the word “pandemic” has become synonymous with terms like “plague, scourge, and disease” and therefore conjures up a sense of dire threat. But “pandemic” is actually an adjective that qualifies something else as “widespread, prevalent, pervasive, universal, global.” “Pan” means “all,” and “Demos,” means “people.” When something is pandemic it extends …