Sunday, August 10, 2014

Walking on water...or sinking?


Thanks and praise to our powerful Lord, our reality-bending God.

You walked on water, Lord Christ. Did the disciples need that affirmation of your divinity and supernatural power? 
(Matthew 14:22-32)

I once looked for a “scientific” explanation. Now, I accept it as fact...on faith. If I want your power in my life, why would I deny it?

Indeed, both reality and denial can be overwhelming.

In the squalls of my life I hear your words to Peter: Take courage! Don’t be afraid. Come. Why did you doubt?

…but like Peter I find myself sinking. Faith and trust can be surprisingly weak.

The storms are inevitable. Your presence, however, is certain. May I find it to be palpable.

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) 

Amen.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Reclaiming Christianity


I recommend this post on Patheos entitled "I Want My Christianity Back - Without the Ugly Baggage" by Rev. Mark Sandlin. It was on the Time magazine website this week as well. An excerpt:

...we need to more closely follow the lead of Jesus and lovingly confront those who want to turn the Prince of Peace into a tool for dividing and marginalizing. Every time anyone tries to exclude a group of people they dislike in the name of the Great Shepherd, we must pronounce the radical inclusion of a loving God.

And when they accuse us of being un-Christian (and they will), we must stand strong and tell them, "You no longer get to own that word. You have used it and abused it and crucified it on crosses of hate, greed, power and control. We are taking our religion back – way back.

All the way back to the teachings of Jesus."

Read the full article. And pray...


Generous Lord,
Faith is so very confusing.
I'm sure of mine!!!
But confounded by others'.
They seem sincere,
stridently so,
hearing a different message.
Like radio,
they listen to a different format,
of fear and threats.
I'm tuned into Grace Radio,
powered by the Holy Spirit.
The playlist:
generosity and mercy,
unconditional love.
My prayer:
May that song in my heart
resonate in my life.
Amazing, marvelous grace!
Amen.

Patheos
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