The question of identity is one of humility and hubris; it is one of insecurity.  It is birthed from our brokenness; from the imprint of God within us that we unknowingly strive to fulfill, railing instinctively against the incompleteness in us.  To ask “who am I” is to ask “who am I in Christ”; for it is only apart from the Word that you are less than what you were intended to be.  It is only apart from Christ that insecurity exists.  Thus the foundation of humility is found in knowing Him; for humility is the absence of pride, and pride emanates from independence.  Humility is found in surrendered communion with Jesus.  In Him all is put in perspective, including your own identity.  Striving to be humble, to think lowly of oneself Read the rest of this entry »

What started in October as a four week course will probably now take until the end of November to complete.   The depth and quality of discussion on the implications of Paul’s letter in our own lives has been a uniquely profound experience. I have been so humbled with the depth and vulnerability of many who are engaging in thoughtful discussion concerning our identity, how we belong to the people of God, the implications of ‘faith in Christ alone’ and the implications of it in our real, everyday lives. Read the rest of this entry »

Two Fools on the Road to Emmaus Podcast -  Sometimes life just sucks.  This doesn’t mean you have angered God and He’s “gitt’in you”!  Or that He is rejecting you, or you have to find the right formula of prayer and self powered righteousness to move the hand of a bitter, fickle god. Heavens NO! Sometimes life is hard (no kidding?) and this is the reality of a broken world but even in the middle of the crappy parts of life God is there. He is faithful and He loves us perfectly!  It is in these times of trial and stress that our relationship with God is expanded.

The guys talk about Joy in the midst of the mess that life sometimes is.

“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Ps. 3:3

Just for a Laugh: On their way to a justice of the peace to get married, a couple had a fatal car accident.  The couple found themselves sitting outside Heaven’s Gate waiting on St. Peter to do an intake. While waiting, they wondered if they could possibly get married in Heaven.   St. Peter finally showed up and they asked him.  St. Peter said, “I don’t know, this is the first time anyone has asked. Let me go find out.” and he left.

The couple sat and waited for an answer…for a couple of months… and they began to wonder if they really should get married in Heaven, what with the eternal aspect of it all.  “What if it doesn’t work?” they wondered, “Are we stuck together forever?”  St. Peter returned after yet another month, looking somewhat bedraggled.  “Yes,” he informed the couple, “you can get married in Heaven.”
“Great,” said the couple, “but what if things don’t work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?”  St. Peter, red-faced, slammed his clipboard onto the ground.  “What’s wrong?”, asked the frightened couple.   “COME ON!” St. Peter shouted, “It took me three months to find a priest up here! Do you have any idea how long it will take me to find a lawyer?”  www.cleanjoke.com

Podcast: Download (Duration: 22:02 — 10.1MB)

There is a great drive within to trust ourselves.  It is so strong that it causes us to disguise (from even ourselves) our lack of trust in anyone or thing, outside ourselves.  I vociferously proclaim my faith in God; I beat my chest and lay in ashes to show my great devotion.  Yet, I do not trust him.  Again and again I find myself confounded at my great fear of “what if”.  Again and again I find myself tormented by circumstances beyond my control.  Worse still, I am tormented by circumstances I could control, but know I shouldn’t. Read the rest of this entry »

Once upon a time in the sea they call black, where the water is turbid and brackish and generally pugnacious toward men; where the ebbs are said to carry away the debris of the soul, if you care to leave it there; where the water is shallow and warm in the summer, but cold and thick in the winter; there lived a pretentious little tunny named Tubby.  He roamed freely amongst the meadows of Zostera seagrass, feeding on various crustaceans, tunicates, and small fish (sardines were his favorite).  His body was steel blue with a speckled-white underbelly, and powerfully designed to propel him through the water.  When he joined the other tunnies—which was rare, for he found them simple and unambitious—they looked like little metallic darts piercing the water before them. Read the rest of this entry »