It may be that the best way to define GRIT is to simply say “Detroit Lions”! Even when they are behind it still feels like they should win. One star gets taken off the field on a stretcher, the next guy up does more than one could ever expect … and the team keeps winning. They believe in their coaches … they believe in themselves … they believe in their teammates … they expect to win every week. Hopefully this coming season we will see more of the same … with a lot less injuries.
Sunday was a truly “Spirit filled” closing for Trinity Lutheran – Warren. While closings always have a certain amount of sadness built in, this congregation did everything right (in my opinion). Their process leading up to the service, the communication preparing people for the event, the worship service, and even the plans following its closing … all reminders that God is good – all the time … including those “down and out” times in which Jesus re-defines the term into his way of working. Yet, even then, it remains tough stuff.
Yesterday morning I googled the definition of the phrase “down and out”. It told me that someone who is down and out has “no job and nowhere to live, and they have no real hope of improving their situation.” AI suggested “a person is in a difficult situation, often financially, and may be struggling to make ends meet, lacking resources, and feeling hopeless or defeated – at rock bottom, with little prospect for improvement.” No surprises here.
On a recent podcast I heard a Christian apologist offer what I felt was an excellent response to those who try to enter into an argument with him regarding creation verses evolution. His suggestion: “I hear you asking me what I, as a Christian, believe regarding evolution. Before I give you a response to this, I must first tell you who I am as a Christian.” From there he gives a brief explanation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then says something like, “Now, what is your question?” His purpose is clear. If one immediately gets into a conversation about creation (or name your topic), one seldom will ever have the opportunity to share the Gospel. And since it is through the Gospel that Jesus saves people and changes things, when all is said and done, he can walk away and say, “I have done what I am asked by Christ to do. The rest is up to Jesus.”
Neighborhood Missionaries Read Post »
For many people, forgiveness is something they struggle with – in many ways (such as in giving and in receiving … horizontally and vertically). So, let’s start with a simple definition and go from there: “Forgiveness is the act of letting go.” Thus it is a choice … and a gift.
Forgiveness Mythology Read Post »
I was given a fun challenge last Sunday as I was asked to be the guest preacher at Bethany Lutheran, Detroit. I mistakenly thought that the biggest challenge was being asked to preach on a prescribed obscure text on the topic of “peacemakers”. However, that turned out to be the fun part of the challenge … while the difficulty came in me getting to church on time!
A Fun Challenge … or Two Read Post »
Ever since attending our Circuit Convocation I have been praying for God’s daily guidance in walking with Jesus on his mission. Greg Finke, the speaker, emphasized two little self-examination questions: Know what? So what? Or, put another way, how does what we know change what we do (or how we live)?
Know What … So What Read Post »
“Papa, why are your teeth yellow?” our granddaughter asked me as we sat upon the couch watching who-knows-what on the television. The question caught me off-guard, even though it was not the first time she had posed the question of me (The first time had been quite some time ago, but under similar circumstances). Thus, without really thinking I responded with my “default” answer, “I guess it’s because papa is old.” Oh, what a great privilege it is to be a grandparent.
On Tuesday evening Monica and I entered into an interesting week – one that is filled with additional responsibility … and great joy. It started with us packing our suitcases and moving out of our condo, traveling about ten minutes to South Offshore Drive. However things really got underway once Matt and Rachel, with bags packed, headed to Metro Airport for a weeklong journey across the sea. The increased responsibility comes with two names, Brooklyn and Andi, with whom we will be living for the week. Fortunately, God is merciful … not only are they wonderful grandchildren (aren’t they all?!), but we also get the weekend off to rest our (I expect) weary bodies!
Responsibility with Joy Read Post »
The word “holy” means “set apart”. The Christian Church calls this week “Holy Week” because it is the one week in the year specifically “set apart” to focus upon the week in which our Lord’s earthly redemptive mission reaches its fulfillment. It starts with Palm Sunday, includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and reaches its climax on Easter Sunday.
