A few years ago, Christian author, speaker, and apologist Os Guinness wrote a book called, A Free People’s Suicide. In it, this British gentleman offered some advice to Americans and free people everywhere on the price of their freedom; not the cost, but the price. He talked in particular about what he called the golden triangle of freedom.
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This past Sunday morning we wrapped up our series, Bible Stories to Make You Squirm, by looking at another doozy. When Jesus entered the world as a baby and King Herod found out about it, he murdered all the boys two years and under in Bethlehem. What we are supposed to do with this and what it means for us is what we talk about here. Keep reading to learn more.
Also, this week I am going to make some changes to my posting schedule. Producing two posts, three days a week isn’t such a big deal for me on the writing side, but as someone who reads other blogs, I know that trying to read two posts on any given day is a lot. You’ve hung in here with me as I keep learning how to do this better over the last couple of years, and I am supremely grateful. Going forward, I am going to move to five weekly posts–one each day, Monday through Friday, all at 8:00 am. Mondays will be the previous day’s sermon or a Digging in Deeper post if I’ve had the weekend off. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be the usual Morning Musings. Wednesdays and Fridays will be Digging in Deeper posts (usually just a bit longer than the Morning Musings or else a chance to go a little deeper into a conversation we have started on Tuesday or Thursday). Saturdays and Sundays will still be off, although I may start adding some guests posts on the weekends in the not-too-distant future. Hopefully this will make for better pacing for you, the faithful reader, while keeping you still interested in making connections between the Word and the world. Thanks for sticking with me all this time. I’m looking forward to many more good conversations in the days ahead. Blessings to you!
The Hard Road
Most cultures have a set of proverbs, adages, axioms that form the popular foundation on which the bulk of its people stand when it comes to thinking about how they are going to get by and get along with one another. Many of our culture’s most popular proverbs come from the wit and wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, one of our Founding Fathers. Many of these you probably know well: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man…healthy, wealthy, and wise. A penny saved is…a penny earned. Don’t put off for tomorrow…what you can accomplish today. Some of his proverbs are a little less familiar, but still really good: He who sows thorns should not go barefoot. The one who is content has enough; the one who complains has too much. Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.
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This past Sunday we continued in our series, Bible Stories to Make You Squirm. In this fourth part we looked at a story that’s hard, not because of something God does, but because of how utterly depraved we are. What do we do with a disturbing story that ends in a hopeless place like this? Keep reading to find out.
However You Want It
Film makers are creative folks. They are artists. Some of them cross the line over into being artistes. Usually those are the ones who give us films that nobody goes to see unless they consider themselves fellow artistes. The rest of us just like movies. But, because they are generally artists, they are creative. They don’t like making the same movie over and over and over again if they can help it. But, when the culture likes a certain type of movie—superhero movies at the moment—they have to make the films that will attract the dollars that will allow them to make more movies. Occasionally though, someone will get an idea that goes well outside the box of the norm while still within the general parameters of what people will pay to see.
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This past Sunday was Father’s Day. As a dad myself, it was a chance to get a bit reflective. What would I tell my three boys if I had the chance? Here’s what I said.
A Letter to My Sons
There are occasions in our lives that prompt us to do some deep thinking. For me at least, days like today are one of those times. As I was preparing for this morning, I began thinking about what I would like to say to my sons if I had the chance. You know, one of those deep, parental wisdom speeches that they won’t want to sit and listen to until I’m lying on my death bed and they’re hanging on my every word. As I grow in my experience as a parent and Noah and Josiah and Micah grow up some of what I have to say to them will probably change, but hopefully not much. As it turns out, there isn’t children’s church scheduled for today which means they’re stuck in here and have to listen to this. Well…I can’t make them listen—when I figure that out I’ll let you know just after I patent it and retire—but they’re at least going to be in the room while I’m saying it. Anyway, as something a bit different this morning, I’ll let you in my head and heart for a few minutes and then we’ll all go out and celebrate Father’s Day together.
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This past Sunday was Graduate Recognition Sunday. From preschool to masters degree, we recognized and celebrate our many students and the grand things they have accomplished. Then, when it came time for the sermon, I offered the following as a challenge and encouragement. Thanks for reading.
God’s Got You
Do you remember learning how to ride a bike? I actually still do. For whatever reason that particular day is seared in my memory. If you think about it, other than walking, learning to ride a bike is one of the most significant accomplishments a kid can achieve. The reason is freedom. There’s something about being on a bike that brings a sense of freedom few other things allow. As you push the pedals with your own two feet, you are able to power yourself to go anywhere. You don’t have to rely on your parents to get you there—within reason anyway. And when you’re pedaling away, with the air rushing past you, you can feel yourself moving. With every push of your legs, you are moving yourself more and more in some direction. Even if it’s just to the end of the neighborhood, you’ve gotten there. All by yourself.
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The Nexus 