Category Archives: Christian Life

Every Christian has Charisma

Charisma, Greek for gift or favor, has a slightly different meaning in English.  A person with charisma displays magnetic charm and/or a persuasive personality. We recognize human charisma when we see it.  If you are a Christian, you have super-human charisma.  Do others see it? … Continue reading

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Don’t Retire; Re-tire

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When the tires are worn but the vehicle is still road worthy, you don’t retire the machine; you replace the tires.   Similarly, when a person’s chosen career or vocation becomes tired, flat or worn, there is no need to retire from productive life; he or she has … Continue reading

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God Colors Outside the Lines

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God would never… How would you complete that phrase? Sometimes Christians define the limits of what God will or will not do.  I appreciate that this is often a well-meaning attempt to protect orthodoxy or to preserve Scriptural truth, but God frequently colors outside … Continue reading

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I was going to write a blog post, but…

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I was going to write a blog post, but… Both of our sons unexpectedly showed up on Friday night.  Saturday morning, therefore, was happily spent around the kitchen table while Dan sautéed bacon, onions and vegetables for the frittata that would be our brunch.  Yum. … Continue reading

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42 and the Power of a Strong Stand

The movie 42 tells the story of Jackie Robinson’s experience as the first African-American baseball player in the Major Leagues. It is a satisfying movie in the archetypal sports movie kind of way, but I was surprised to appreciate it most in a theological sort of way.   Curious?  Watch the movie … Continue reading

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How to Purposefully Repsond to Accidental Offenses

What is the appropriate response to accidental offenses?  I ask myself this question after reading reactions to the song ”Accidental Racist” by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J. I do not wish to overlook or diminish the conversation about whether racism is accidental or whether … Continue reading

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Only God Can Stop the Rain

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What do rising flood waters and recent violent events have in common?  They are both relentless. The Chicago area is flooded today.  Rivers and rain water intruded into streets, back yards and houses.  Sump pumps valiantly ejected water from below the foundations of houses and buildings, but they did not always … Continue reading

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The Comfort of God’s Presence

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My sister, who lives near Boston, sent me a text message this afternoon:  ”We’re all ok…”  Thank God. However, I know that others received unimaginably painful messages from Boylston Street today.  Brokenhearted, I pray for all who suffered loss and for those who are fighting for life and limb. Some … Continue reading

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Life: Solving a Puzzle or Creating a Masterpiece?

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The future lies before me in the form of puzzle pieces. Goals.  Skills.  Passion.  Experience.  Gifting.  Opportunities.  Dreams.  Resources. Faith.  Kingdom of God.  Power.  Following Jesus.  Hope. Family.  Finances.  Commitments.  Constraints.  Perceptions. Markets.  Ideas.  Service.  Potential.  World.  Needs. Fear.  Oops.  Toss that piece off … Continue reading

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Thou Shalt Have a Party

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Did you know that God likes parties? The Old Testament law included regulations  for personal conduct, religious observance and the offering of sacrifices.  It was very serious business.  However, God also commanded regular celebrations, in other words, parties. Each year the Israelites were to set aside one … Continue reading

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