Devotionals
Still Wanted and Welcomed
“And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” — Luke 15:23-24 (NLT)
Is it just me, or does anybody else talk to themselves? I do this all the time. I role-play what I think I would say if I had the opportunity. I talk through conversations with family members, friends, colleagues, and random strangers.
Usually, I’m talking under my breath in private, maybe in the mirror in the bathroom. I need this time to process my thoughts and my feelings because it helps me be prepared and attempt to be wise in how I communicate in my relationships.
We Rise and Fall Together
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.” — Luke 18:9 (NRSV)
If you've heard me preach before, you'll likely know that I grew up with three brothers. And because my mom didn't always like us playing with the kids in our neighborhood, sometimes we had to be our own, complete community. We were the Wilsons.
My brothers are my day ones, my aces, and standing arm in arm with them is still my happy and safe space. I feel invincible when I stand with my brothers. It is pure, and never-ending love.
Bathsheba and David: A Hard Look at the Abuse of Power
“David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, ‘This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’” – 2 Samuel 11:3 (NRSV)
What are women to do when they are not safe, even in their own homes? Bathsheba should have been safe. She should have been protected. In all the sermons I have heard about David and Bathsheba, I never understood the weight of the messenger reporting who she was when David asked of her. My only takeaway was that she was clearly married and, therefore, off-limits. Really, that should have been enough.
Reviving Discipleship
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” — Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
The mission of Jesus was always about people, not programs. Those who know me personally know that I am deeply passionate about discipleship. It’s so much more than a class you might take. Being a student of and following Jesus is a way of life. It infiltrates the very fabric of your soul.
Missed Exits: Turning Up the Voice of God
“And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” — Isaiah 30:21 (NRSVA)
Last summer, a colleague picked me up from the airport to take me to a conference. We had a long stretch of highway to drive, with Google Maps ready to lead the way to the conference location.
We laughed and talked as we rolled down the road … Then something didn’t look quite right.
Wait Just a Little While Longer
“For all must carry their own loads.” Galatians 6:5 (NRSV)
Whenever someone bench presses, it’s always essential to have a spotter. No one wants to be crushed under a barbell! A spotter is primarily there to protect the lifter when the weight is too much.
Spiritual Gifts & Love
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” — 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 (NLT)
Have you ever read Scripture and kind of glazed over it because you didn't really know what it was talking about, or it felt too fluffy to understand? The beginning of 1 Corinthians 13 has had that effect on some. Why are we talking about clanging cymbals, and what is the correlation to love? Questions that need answers, Paul!
Follow Closely to Jesus
“Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.” — Luke 24:10
All around the world, people pause today to remember Jesus as He hung on the cross. We call it Good Friday because though it was the worst day in the life of Jesus, it was a good day for humanity. It was the day that Jesus made the last sacrifice for our sins. The work of redemption was done. It was a good Friday.