Seek first the kingdom of God. A command. No explanation. Seek the kingdom before we seek other things? More than we seek other things? But what does it mean to “seek” . . . Search. Pursue. Desire. Perhaps? In context, Matthew (6:33) contrasts “seeking the kingdom” with things the Gentiles were seeking: food and clothing, … More Before You Seek Other Things
Yes, it’s a bit early for a year-end review. But instead of the expected “I’m Thankful For” post of the Thanksgiving season, I’m attempting a twist on the topic by reflecting on three hard and precious surprises of my 2016. 1. When pain returns. 2016 had almost convinced me that my consistent, tormenting back pain of 2+ … More 3 Hard & Precious Surprises of My 2016
Four different guys with different pasts, personalities, and pursuits experience the same situations, encounter the same people, hear the same conversations, and see the same stuff. They live to write about it. Their names? Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. My tip of the day: When you’re studying one of the four Gospels, don’t compare them … More Before You Ask the Other Guys
How do you use “salt” six times in three consecutive sentences to refer to four or five entirely different concepts? Like this: For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with … More Rabbit Trails That Don’t Make Sense
You might be a homeschooler if . . . you made phylacteries as a school project. No joke. I, of all people, should know what a Pharisee is. Ironically enough, though I tied cardboard boxes of Bible verses to my head and wrists, the object lesson never made it from my head to my heart. So … More But I Want to Be a Pharisee
Because I know I am prone to misunderstand, or make assumptions, or naively follow popular opinion, I question everything. Well, not everything. But things like . . . the Great Commission. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority … More I Question the Great Commission
For you serious thinkers who are addicted to deep topics. And for you in the less-interested crowd who might typically pass this article by . . . But you were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In that order. So you’re a little intrigued. Here’s a thought. The Trinity is one of … More Father, Holy Spirit, & Son: When the Trinity is Out of Order
