Stories
Viewing stories about faith
Liturgy: “Political Parties Are Not the Body of Christ”
Even now as I embark on year seven of calling this place “home,” I am still constantly reminded of His faithfulness in those early days. I can look back even now and remember instances where He was working, even when my mind was so clouded because I was unhappy. In spite of this, I saw Him actively answer really big and bold prayers, both by me and for those who constantly prayed for me.
Liturgy: “Confession”
Even now as I embark on year seven of calling this place “home,” I am still constantly reminded of His faithfulness in those early days. I can look back even now and remember instances where He was working, even when my mind was so clouded because I was unhappy. In spite of this, I saw Him actively answer really big and bold prayers, both by me and for those who constantly prayed for me.
Liturgy: “Family Vacation”
Jeremiah’s words this week feel very personal to me. God plucked up, broke down, overthrew, destroyed, and brought harm to my family. We were not innocent. There was sin and consequences. In a very real sense, we brought it on ourselves. And yet, now I see God watching over us to build and to plant. I see restoration and new life. Thank you, Father, for being faithful even when we are not.
Liturgy: “Roots Away from the Mountains”
The words of the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles in Babylon resonate with the younger version of me that is still inside somewhere—that Midwestern kid who planned to stay just one year and thought he was living a temporary life. Live in this place as if it is your home, God says. Take care of the land and property you find yourself in, forge lasting friendships and loves with the people around you, and carry those even into the next generation. Most important, “seek the peace and prosperity of the city.”
Liturgy: “Dealing with Afflictions and Wanderings”
How do you respond when you make mistakes?
Liturgy: “Walter White — God of Money and Power”
In this week’s liturgy, a deadly serious Paul warns Timothy of the dangers in the pursuit of Money. In a puzzling parable, Jesus utterly redefines the very meanings of Money and Power in view of himself—from Him comes power, He is the riches. Reflecting on these, my favorite selection from the liturgy brings us a perplexed Jeremiah being directed by the Almighty to invest his wealth on real estate in the middle of a war zone . . . with no immediate explanation.
Liturgy: “Psalm 79, Revised Not Once, But Twice”
When you are brought very low, do you trust that God is with you, even if you turn away from Him? I often don’t trust this fact, whether I acknowledge it or not. I want to submit even my lack of trust in Him into His hands. He knows precisely what to do with my cold heart. He’s brought me low, He will lift me up high.
Liturgy: “Tattoos A-Go-Go and Other Things Worth Repeating”
That man, that scoundrel on that cursed tree, died to save people like me from myself, and people like you from me.
Venit, vidit, vicit.
He came. He saw. He conquered.
Liturgy: “More Than a Lump of Clay”
I’m a planner. I find comfort and security in knowing what’s coming. I hate surprises, and the unexpected. So, this summer should have thrown me over the edge except for one simple and key fact: “God’s got this”—my new motto.
Liturgy: “The Reached Who Reached Out”
If we can at least be mindful of Luke 14:12-14 when we encounter another human, asking not what they can do for us but asking what we can do for them, then we will be able to reflect God’s image in this world. If we can remember that what God gives us is not to better our own kingdoms but his, then we will please our heavenly Father and honor our fellow human.
