The Kingdom of Heaven is like a software developer who established rules to live and work by. One developer’s rules are quoted below, in bold text. For his software, he set out eight rules, seven of which we shall apply to God’s Kingdom. Continue reading “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a software developer”
Note: My in-laws, George and Joy Jensen, are moving back to Tanzania to continue their work after an eight year stint in the states. Hours before beginning their trek to Tanzania, George preached to the saints in Marlow, Oklahoma. He spoke on the cross. I’d like to share some of his thoughts, as I remember them, with you.
Details can be helpful, but often the most powerful stories are the succinct ones. We often try to expand upon the descriptions of events in scripture, to our detriment. The Holy Spirit is perfect, and the words he used to communicate with us are wholly sufficient.
Note this simple phrase in all four gospel accounts: “crucified him” (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33; John 19:18). While Deity chose to give us many details of what mankind did to our Savior leading up to and after the crucifixion, the silence here is striking. The next time you read the accounts of the cross, linger on those two words. The next time you speak about the cross, allow those two words to hang in the air for a moment. They (we) “crucified him.” Continue reading “The Cross of Christ”
“It’s complicated” pervades social media, television shows and perhaps our personal interactions. When this phrase infiltrates communication, often someone desires to avoid clarity. Some seem to use this expression to justify, dismiss or evade topics.
We can be left with the impression that if they were to spend the necessary time to wade through all of the complexity, we would end up agreeing with their decision or situation. And so, they spare us all of the sophisticated details by saying, “it’s complicated.”
Is it complicated? Or might it often be something else? Continue reading “It’s complicated or is it?”
Places mean much to us. Where we were born. Where we got married. The first house we lived in as newlyweds. Where we were baptized. Where we had our first job.
Places of memories, of special moments, of important connections between people.
When the Jews sought to seize Jesus, he escaped from them to a special place. Continue reading “There, that special place for Jesus”
Is there anything that happens on the mission field that American churches need to learn? Can a sponsor and supporter of missions efforts in the world’s number one country find something of value to apply in developing countries or in cultures far different from its own?
As one who grew up in the US, was reared in a Christian home, and has spent more time outside the country than inside it, I see lessons abounding. Brace yourself. Continue reading “What American churches can learn from the mission field”
A child awakens on Christmas morning and attacks a mountain of gifts. When they finish, they’re hip deep in paper and boxes. They examine their gifts and spend the rest of the day focused on what they didn’t get.
When we’re spoiled, we will never be satisfied. Continue reading “How God can help us receive gifts”
Minimalism and a simple lifestyle are popular philosophies in the modern world of materialism and busy complications. The effort seeks to do with less as a means of enjoying life more.
True simplicity may be enhanced by possessing fewer material goods, but the amount of possessions does not necessarily define it. It consists of a single focus. So says the Lord Jesus Christ. Continue reading “True simplicity”
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