I say “holy crap” far too often. I suppose there are worse things to say, but the casual and even crude ways we use the word “holy” these days has contributed to a corrosion of the meaning of the word. As I study the book of Exodus, having recently walked through Hebrews, the import and…
Tag: christianity
An Altar of Earth
“An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings…. If you wield your tool on it you profane it. And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed on it.” -Exodus 20:24-26 The pagans of ancient…
Faithfully Falling Blind
Staring out at the pouring rain Wondering why I ran away I know He’s near, I know He hears But knowledge won’t erase my fears I fear the lonely nights The helpless falling from imagined heights I fear, my God – I cannot see And all the while He calls to me Trust and wait…
A God of Fire and Grace
The story of God giving Moses the ten commandments is so well known that most people picture similar things when imagining it. For me, I think of shaking ground, deafening thunder, and a mountain shrouded in fire and deep darkness. I think of Moses walking down a mountain with two heavy tablets of engraved stone….
The Humility of the Lord
Today, I’m simply writing a word of encouragement, and I’m writing it mainly because I need it. Today marks the first day of my first “real” job since becoming ill. I’m desperately afraid that I’ll say something stupid or my employer will find out what a mess I am. I read some Psalms this morning,…
Our Finest Gifts We Bring
Unto us a child is born, unto us a king is given. Today we give thanks for the greatest gift ever conceived, the gift of everlasting life, held in the hand of a newborn child. Countless carols describe both the ripples of power emanating from Bethlehem that first Christmas night, as well as the world’s…
How Can I Keep from Singing?
Worship. In so much of the American Church, this means standing up, avoiding anyone else’s gaze, putting your hands on the pew in front of you, and singing. In some churches raising your hands in the air might be preferred. But how many Christians out there admit to participating in this because that’s just what…
Walk Down This Mountain
Why is it so easy to go from feeling the presence of God beside you to living as if only what is visible exists? Have you ever tried to see the world the way one of the Bible heroes did? I try to imagine the fear and wonder that overcame Moses when he saw God…
What’s in a Name?
When I was young, I used to daydream about what I would name my future children. I loved the name Alexander, especially shortened to Xander. I wanted a feminine name for a daughter, perhaps Emma or Alina. These days, despite my lack of children, I still feel compelled to name things, which is how I’ve…
A Wound Reopened
Disclaimer: the following does not refer to any one person. I am posting mostly as a selfish sort of catharsis. I wrote this not to offend, but to work through some hard issues and perhaps show others that they are not alone. I see you smiling, laughing I see you hugging in the hallways I…
Before the Fire 