Already Heard That
Repetition is a gift if we allow it to be.
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. — 1 Peter 1:12
Once upon a time, long, long ago, I played in a marching band. We rehearsed and practiced our routines constantly. (One year, we won the state competition!) A regular reminder, like practice, helps us stay focused and improve at something. It also frees us from being so mechanical when our big moment arrives.
In Between
Taking the name but not bearing his Name is hazardous to society.
[God] has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and his witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building up of Christ’s body, and the glory of his name. ⏤ Lausanne Covenant, 1974
Called out from the world (holiness) and sent back into the world (service & witness). What happens in between? We come out world-like and must go back in Jesus-like. If that transformation doesn't take place, we are most dangerous. (Matt. 23:15)
Suited Up
Tearing down strongholds through love and rectification.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. — 2 Corinthians 10:4
This morning I ran in the rain. I was surprised and heartened to see so many others out in raincoats, facing the weather, walking their dogs. I think this is what Paul calls for in Ephesians 6. We suit up in clothing that disciples of Jesus wear, and face the world's strongholds: systems of hatred, bondage, and every kind of injustice.
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- poverty & compassion
- imagination & creativity
- technology & ai
- knowing God
- human dignity
- faith & trust
- incarnation & cross
- kingdom of God
- community
- reconciliation
- spiritual formation
- epistemology
- prayer
- gratitude
- culture
- creation & nature
- discipleship
I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care.