I want to talk a little about congregational life post-pandemic. The reality is the pandemic changed things for congregations across the world. Believers have changed too; we are not the same people we were a year ago. We are living in a new-normal. No matter where you are on your faith journey you are probably … Continue reading Entering the New Normal
Author: Chais
Giving the Beloved
https://youtu.be/iO1kSUlnLcc Hear the message that we are the Beloved of God. This is an idea that I learned from Henri Nouwen's sermons. Using Nouwen's idea, I share my own perspective on how we share that message with others. Being the beloved is not something we keep for ourselves, it is a gift we pass along … Continue reading Giving the Beloved
Understanding Jonah (Part 2)
“1 The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are. 3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the … Continue reading Understanding Jonah (Part 2)
Understanding Jonah (Part 1)
Jonah has been the theme of Vacation Bible Schools for decades. The book has been the basis for coloring books, picture books, and children’s movies. Yet this story is not just a fun story about a big fish, it’s a meaningful parable that teaches a powerful lesson about the character of God. It is also … Continue reading Understanding Jonah (Part 1)
Gospel
Merry Christmas Everyone! It’ that time again when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. Two gospels offer a narrative about Jesus’ birth, Matthew, and Luke. Mark and John omit the story to focus on other parts of the gospel story. This year I am rereading the Gospel of Mark and looking at its telling of … Continue reading Gospel
Tired Anyhow
I am tired of broken The ones I broke, The ones others broke Long broken Fast broken Short broken Slow broken I am weary of fixing Fixing things, myself Watching others fix things Long fixing Fast fixing Short fixing Slow fixing I am beat of nothing My nothingness Their nothingness Long nothing Fast … Continue reading Tired Anyhow
Uncertainty
One of the certain things about life is that life is full of uncertainty. Happily, as Christians, we do not navigate the uncertainty of life alone. We place our hope in an imminent and loving God who is reconciling the world through his son. The life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus is a testimony … Continue reading Uncertainty
Corruptible Ahab
Gratitude for the Stories of Others
Knowing Christ
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8 NLT) The apostle Paul, before his Damascus experience, measured his life according to some of the same things many people use to identify themselves even today. Paul grew up clinging to his religious upbringing, his participation … Continue reading Knowing Christ
