God takes drastic measures to prepare his people for the works he's prepared for them. As Christ's followers, we are his handiwork, his masterpiece, his workmanship. Our beautifully transformed lives are a demonstration of his work. We are proof that he is a masterful artist! He created us in … [Read more...] about How God Prepares People to do the Work He’s Prepared
Grace
Where to Find Courage to Continue Following Jesus
How Does Jesus Give Us the Courage to Continue Following? Jesus did not promise that following him would be a walk in the park, but he did say that he would always be with us and would show himself to us along the way. Now, I'll be honest. On some days, that sounds like a consolation … [Read more...] about Where to Find Courage to Continue Following Jesus
How Does Jesus Prepare Us to Continue Following?
In a book titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson talks about the difference between being a tourist and a pilgrim as you follow Jesus. Tourists like highlights and quick inspiration. Pilgrims, on the other hand, "spend [their] lives going some place."* As followers of Jesus, … [Read more...] about How Does Jesus Prepare Us to Continue Following?
What Does Jesus Do for Disappointed Followers?
The apostle Peter followed Jesus around Israel for three years. He walked with him, learned from him, and witnessed mind-blowing miracles by which Jesus declared himself to be the rescuing King God had promised. Each miracle—opening the eyes of the blind, making a paralyzed man walk, feeding … [Read more...] about What Does Jesus Do for Disappointed Followers?
The Gospel According to… Halloween?
What if the gospel is more like Halloween than Christmas? If you grew up hearing that Halloween was the celebration of evil, you might feel as shocked as I did when the question was posed to me. When I considered how the two holidays might relate to the gospel, the thought of Halloween being a … [Read more...] about The Gospel According to… Halloween?
One More Important Cancellation
Is your Easter Sunday going to look a little different this year? Every year on Easter Sunday, our extended family begins our resurrection celebration with a sunrise service. At the end of a low-maintenance gravel road, 20-30 people--depending on the unpredictable spring weather—gather on the … [Read more...] about One More Important Cancellation