Category: Uncategorized
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
A Prayer for Unity
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” —John 17:21 Last weekend, Lori and I went to New Orleans. I was officiating at a wedding, but we and the 80 people gathering with us for… Read more
-
More Like Jesus, Week 8–Consistency
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” –Hebrews 13:8 During two summers of my college years, I worked as a bank teller. It was an enjoyable experience that taught me a great deal about how to relate well to a diversity of people. I liked my co-workers and working inside, thus escaping… Read more