Don’t Be Duped {PODCAST}
Scammed. Tricked. Duped. No one wants that, right? But sadly, this happens all the time, to us, when we’re ignorant of what’s really going on around us. Every time we allow our anger to rest on a person and focus on what he or she has done, we lose sight of the actual enemy and miss an opportunity to overcome evil with good. Read More
The Blessing Test {PODCAST}
Whether they meant it or not, you feel slapped. There’s a sting. The truth is, we unknowingly slap each other all the time, especially during times of disagreement and tension (anybody know any times like those happening these days?). What does turning the cheek really mean? Refusing cancel culture. It means staying close. Turning the cheek means a willingness to stay close enough that your other cheek is vulnerable. You might get stung again, but that’s ok because you’re choosing to bless. I have been the recipient of this blessing, even this week, and I urge you to please listen in and consider the implications of this in your own life. Don’t underestimate the power of blessing. We need it more than ever. Read More
One Thing We Don’t Have to Wait For {PODCAST}
At first, Jesus’ commands about turn-the-cheek forgiveness feel unfair. They seem insane. Too much. There’s no way. But there’s a profound promise hidden beneath these seemingly impossible commands and if we will take Him at His Word, we’ll experience a FREEDOM that would never be possible if we only based our forgiveness on the other person’s worthiness or apology. In this episode we consider the GOOD NEWS that our healing and wholeness depends on no person other than Jesus Christ.Read More
Why the Slap Stings {PODCAST}
As we look at the particulars of Jesus’ Second Mile instruction in Matthew 5, it’s fascinating to see the three facets of wrong-doing that He addresses in three short sentences. First of all He speaks of the slap. This isn’t an impersonal injustice. This is the up-close and personal wound of a friend. You can see the whites of their eyes. A slap is a sign of contempt, from someone you trusted enough to be within arm’s reach. In this episode we look at why the slap stings, drawing from Psalm 55 and the experience of the mighty King David. Read More