This year, I'm pondering the traditional Advent themes—HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (my recent Bible study). Last week we examined the "hope of righteousness." Today we look at PEACE.
Grace
Galatians 1–2: Paul’s Testimony and Commission
I continue with Galatians 1:11–2:10 summarizing the message, adding same parallel passages for explanation, then asking some application questions. It’s my way of making sense of Paul’s writing and digging for his meaning and how I can apply it personally.
Holy Thinking: My New Spiritual Practice
Holy thinking is the intersection of soul care, discernment, and pondering. How awesome is that? I was especially pleased to discover that Mary of Nazareth exemplified this spiritual practice. How perfect for a way to describe all the things I’m passionate about.
Balance and the Center of Biblical Tension
My seminary president, Robertson McQuilkin, drilled into me a profound maxim: “It seems easier to go to a consistent extreme than to stay at the center of biblical tension.” More recently, this same concept was reiterated by my Bible study teacher, JoAnn Hummel: “You and others will benefit as you “hold the rope” of tension in the Scriptures.” The prophet Isaiah offers us many opportunities to put this guiding principle into practice since his writing contains much tension.
Principles for Processing Judgment in Isaiah
When I began my study of Isaiah several months ago, I quickly became uncomfortable. This reaction surprised me because previously I've found this book to be comforting and encouraging. But this time it seemed all judgment and punishment. So I began to investigate how to process difficult passages of God’s judgment.
A Remnant Will Return
A remnant will return. A remnant will be saved. A remnant chosen by grace. Always, there has been a remnant—a small surviving group. Abraham and Isaac, Noah and his family, Lot and his daughters, Joseph and his family in Egypt, Elijah and 70,000 prophets, those who returned from exile in Assyria and Babylon, and now the Church of Jesus Christ.
Grit to Stay Grace to Go Authors’ Interview
My co-author, Sue Eenigenburg and I answer questions about our new book—"Grit to Stay Grace to Go"
Why We Wrote Grit to Stay Grace to Go
In November 2020, fellow Christar worker and my friend, Sue Eenigenburg, approached me about collaborating on a new book about grit. Here's why I joined her in writing "Grit to Stay Grace to Go: Staying Well in Cross-Cultural Ministry" and how you can help us spread the word.
Pondered Treasures 