Author: John Willingham
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Seeing the Truth
“One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” –John 9:25 One of my favorite Biblical scenes recalls a day when Jesus restores sight to a man who has been blind from birth. The narrative fills the entire ninth chapter of John’s gospel. In it, the author describes the most hands-on Read more
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The Best Place to Start
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” –2 Timothy 3:16 Some of you will recall from a September post that my first full-time job after college was with the Bell System. I started at an office in Gastonia, North Carolina, but after Read more
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Glimpses of Grace
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” –Philippians 1:3-4 This post marks the completion of my blog’s first year. I began Ordinary Grace in January and at least once each week since have offered a true story that spoke Read more
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A Manger in the Living Room
“and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7b The chapter from which the verse above comes is a beloved part of Scripture. It is often dramatized in churches during December. Despite that broad familiarity, every Christmas pageant I have seen has included a character and Read more
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One Holy Moment
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth” –Luke 2:7a During my last year of seminary, I had the opportunity to be in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. I was taking part in a two -week tour of Israel and Palestine and imagined that being in the spot of Read more
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Stressed
”He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.” –Luke 2:5 Once during the week before Christmas, I stopped by my local Post Office. I had a few packages to mail. Given the late date, I went inside fully expecting to wait for a while. My Read more
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An Imperfect Christmas
“In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.” –Luke 2:1-2 Those words open one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, Luke’s account of the events we will celebrate again over Read more
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In, Not For
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” –1 Thessalonians 5:18 Later this week, the people of this country will stop to give thanks. The first such celebration occurred in 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people marked a good harvest. The modern observance dates to Read more
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The Best Preaching
“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” –Matthew 25:40 Later this week, Lori and I go for Code Blue training. The organization sponsoring that event focuses on the care Read more
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Asking the Questions
“Inquire now of bygone generations, and consider what their ancestors have found” –Job 8:8 Recently, I toured The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. In general, spending an hour or two in a museum is the maximum visit for me, but Lori and I spent nearly four hours moving through that amazing place. Read more