I have been co-leading a Sunday School class this semester on hermeneutics, or the interpretation of scripture. It has been a delight to read theological material again, discuss ideas in the Bible, and basically getting my mind blown weekly by our analyzation. Last week we were diagramming Genesis 11:1-9, the Tower of Babel scene, which…
All posts in Exegesis
Running and Asceticism
I’ve never experience the runner’s high, endorphine-flooded, goofy-this-feels-like-walking-only-faster-I-could-run-forever state of being. I feel every foot-pouding step, every muscle contraction, every oxygen-drenched breath when I run. I run for two reasons: 1. The sense of accomplishment is addicting. 2. To tell myself, “no.” When I completed my first 5K, I was totally pumped. Not by runner’s…
Music in the Key of Life
I’m no musician. Now don’t get me wrong, I love music! But somehow my musical training and prowess stalled when I was first chair in the recorder in fourth grade. I can carry a tune okay, but I don’t enjoy singing in front of others – at least not on my own. But if you…
Know Why You “No”
I hate saying no. I really stink at it. I detest feeling like I’ve let others down. I have to work myself up to near-frenzy to get the words out and I typically feel remorse about it afterward as if I’m single handedly crushing someone’s spirit through my negative reply. I struggle with this. It’s…
Lessons from a Fallow Field
“For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow…” Exodus 23:10-11a Moanings from a Fallow Field: Dear Heavenly Farmer, My nutrients have been spent. I’ve fed a family, clothed a village, provided for so many, given freely of all…
Before I Give Sleep to my Eyes…
“I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” Psalm 132:4-5 Whoa. I’ve continued on my trek through the Psalms each month and this one caught my eye in a big way. First of…
Work vs. Toil
How do you feel about work? Whether it be your job, vocation, career, chores, duties, or responsibilities, how do you feel about your work? Do you love it? Is it rewarding? Would you, as my high school guidance counselor always hoped, work even without pay? Or is it a drudgery? A necessary task to earn…
I like big BUTS and I cannot lie…
Catchy title, eh? I really do. I love BUTS. Changes in attitude and direction. They’re important. It is helpful to recall where I’ve been and where I’m headed now. The Bible is full of big BUTS (snicker if you must, then note the one T.) The phrase, “But God…” is one of my all time…
Psalm 4
I’ve been camped out in the Psalms lately. Feeling the emotions. Soaking in the goodness. Quenching my soul. In the midst of life’s trials, the Psalms are my salve. They remind me that someone else understands. That someone has been through uncertainty, discomfort, and grief. Here’s what I’ve been thinking about today: “In peace I…
Justice and God
Ever since I attended Passion last year, my ears have pricked up when I hear the word “justice.” I heard about the atrocities in the world in real and all too near ways. Passion focused on the plight of 27 million men, women, and children in the world who are currently in slavery. There is…