Are you one of the thousands who take this week to review their past year and strategize for the next year? One Bible verse got my attention in 2015 and still holds me captive into 2016. As I share this small but significant piece of my journey with you, I invite you to consider what God may be saying to … Read More
This is one of my favorite scenes from Le Miserable. Bishop Myriel takes in the hungry, despised, and desperate ex-con Jean Valjean, showing him love and respect. Valjean responds with treachery, stealing a few items of value. When Valjean is caught by the authorities and brought before Bishop Myriel for accusation, the Bishop validates Valjean’s story (that the items were … Read More
Like you, I am learning how to be a Christian. One of the Christian virtues I am in constant need of reminder is to be thankful for all things. Being grateful is a struggle for me. I find myself complaining about so much especially when things are not going my way. I have a hard time being thankful when my … Read More
At age 16, my heart was drawn into Matthew 6.25-33. It’s haunted me ever since. Not that I live it well. Yet, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousenss” has been the journey I’ve been on for almost 45 years. Over the years I’ve learned real ways to do this. I’m still learning and have much yet to … Read More
Dear UnCommon Journey Reader, This is an invitation to meet with Me. I am a human being who desires your company. You probably think you don’t have time for us to get together. You are too busy with family and work, covered over by so many things. Your “to do” list keeps getting longer and more burdensome. But, when we … Read More
For many years, I struggled in my attempts to remember God throughout everyday life. I was too busy, too distracted, too ignorant, and too inexperienced to know what it was like to commune with God during the day. I would start out well enough in morning devotions and prayer. But, a sense of God’s presence did not remain with me … Read More
As an introvert yet one who enjoys good conversation, I get to observe the dynamics of others interacting with one another. I have made it a study to note the way people communicate one-on-one and in groups. Some people have wonderful conversation skills while others struggle. In certain situations, I struggle. But I have learned over a life-time of experience … Read More
The Way of Jesus: Bearing a Little Shame Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death? –St Paul [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] I just experienced a recent job change and move to a new state—another wearying “new beginning.” It caused me to reflect deeply on my life over the period of many months. Usually I remember … Read More
Do you struggle to understand grace? Is grace active in your life? Is grace transforming your life? Surfing Facebook a couple days ago, I noticed a quote by Tim Keller, a popular pastor and author. He is quoted as saying: “As long as we think we are not that bad, the idea of grace will never change us.” My response … Read More
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there prayed. Mark 1.35 [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Jesus “got away” from work in order to spend time with His Father (notice both movements)… 1. He awoke in the quiet of the early morning hours (the original Greek says “in the night”). Perhaps you’ve heard of … Read More
