God With Us - Emmanuel
Listen closely.
His words will be quiet.
A Theology of Wholeness
I think it’s time to change the frame through which we see ourselves. Instead of seeing our worthiness through the lens of brokenness, maybe we can see our brokenness through the lens of our worthiness. Maybe then we can realize we are much more whole than we have let ourselves believe.
Read MoreImmeasurable Mystery
The desire for results put us in danger of having a faith that is shaped like a business model, instead of a mystery. It can be somewhat frightening to realize that our result-oriented faith is not really faith. We feel lost and out of sorts because we do not know what to do with the mystery. Mystery is immeasurable, full of words like love, peace, hope, forgiveness, and grace.
Read MoreA Reflection on Epiphany
We must be willing to follow the light as it is revealed to us in our ordinary occupations if we are to find the Christ. How can we learn to recognize a star that calls for following from all the others that are shining as brightly?
Read MoreTheories: A poem in response to Hope Week
You haven’t come,
and we excuse it away.
The Vow of Stability
Instability is a pandemic in our culture, and it has harmed our families, our communities, our churches, and our relationships. Almost no one stays anywhere for very long.
Read MorePastor Appreciation
Below are posts from two community members sharing their stories of appreciation for Karen and Stephen. Please, share your own appreciation in the comments on this post.
Stephen and Karen, we love you and are so grateful for you!
Read MoreRevel in the Journey
I have never stopped being moved by the words of scripture, never ceased to believe that life is found here, but the down-pat answers to every single question simply were not leaving me with the peace that I think was intended. If I didn't know, it was simply a matter that I hadn't studied enough. I never felt like I was in an environment that I could voice my questions without my faith or devotion to Christ being brought into question. I felt safe to have generalized doubt related to suffering, but doubts about the nature of God or the Bible or cherished doctrines...not so much.
Read MoreGuest Post: "Ivy Grows" by Travis Lowe
To say the last two years have been hard is an understatement. I am sure most people have, like I, felt overwhelmed at times trying to navigate the daily crises of pandemics, protests, political polarization, presidential elections, military withdrawals, insurrections, recessions, and recoveries. It has been hard to witness the pain of healthcare workers trying to deal with unimaginable trauma. It has been painful to watch people die from afar when all you want is to be in the room, holding their hand, and praying with them.
Read MoreSTOP
If I will stop, just STOP, He may indeed be silent, but He is not absent.
Read MoreSocial Climate
Are you free little fish,
In this manmade playa?
Are you free to exist,
Created creature you be?
Read MoreBook Review - When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together by Terence Lester
When We Stand, The Power of Seeking Justice Together is a must read for our community. We all understand the importance of seeking justice, taking a stand for the oppressed, the marginalized, the dehumanized. But often times we don’t know how to go about it. Terrence Lester, author and creator of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit in Atlanta gives practical, inspiring and encouraging words for us to move pass apathy and move into action, move into presence.
Read MoreWhat is Ordinary Time?
The Christian liturgical calendar is organized around two major seasons: Christmastide and Eastertide. Yet, the bulk of the year is spent in Ordinary Time. So what is Ordinary Time and how does it fit in the Christian calendar?
Read MoreDevotion from the Pastor: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Paul always seems to express a varying degree of emotions in his letters and in this letter it’s no different. He is writing as one who has been through a life altering event and is thankful to have come out the other side. Although we don’t have a clear picture of what happened to Paul, we know something happened and he is speaking with sincerity. He repeats the word comfort 9 different times. The point is clear, God is a God of who comforts.
Read MoreThe Devastation of a Life
We have been walking slowly through the latter half of David's life in the lectionary readings the last few weeks. I find the story of David's life to be one of the saddest of the Old Testament. He starts well, but the latter half of his life is utterly devastating for me to read. We begin with a young man, not perfect, but one whose singular purpose is to love and serve God and lead well. I do not believe he ever stopped loving God, but it becomes evident that his primary focus changes.
Read MoreRemembering Mary from Magdala
Mary Magdalene is one of the most mis-remembered women in history. She is mostly remembered as a demon-possessed sex worker and sometimes thought to be a would-be lover of the Messiah if he were to give into such impulses. Popular portrayals of Mary can be found in the Da Vinci Code, Godspell, The Last Temptation of Christ (in which she is the the last temptation!!!), and even Family Guy. But what does the biblical text actually say about Mary? And how did her legacy get so twisted? And how can we think about what her legacy actually is?
Read MoreWelcome to the Divine Life Blog
Consider this your invitation to contribute to the community! Your voice is needed and wanted. We really hope you will consider contributing to this blog.
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