PART 1 Saying, “I’m Sorry,” in China was a tricky business. To apologize meant incriminating yourself to some wrong putting you at fault. The word ‘sin’ means criminal. To apologize labeled you as a criminal by your own words. For example, if a car hits a person biking on the road, keep in mind the traffic is mostly standstill pace, the driver would never apologize. To show a glimpse of remorse would impose this driver…
I put out this question on Facebook this week: How do you find peace? I think I suggested the wrong question because in the fashion of Facebook replies people wanted to be witty or seem funny, but in all honesty I wanted to know; how do you find Peace (in real life)? So, I began reflecting on Peace. Christ comes as the Prince of Peace in order to bring peace. But what can that mean? When…
Read Matthew 15: 21-28 In Matthew 15 we have a Canaanite woman: a Gentile, unclean, unworthy of any Israelite. Despite her shameful status and out of the desperation of a mother’s cry for her daughters’ life, she pleads for help. She has an inkling of hope from likely observing or hearing about previous healings. In this short engagement, four things unfold. She cries out. “Have mercy on me!” Christ ignores her. The disciples mock her…
Prayer Series: Part 1 There are numerous books and sermons on prayer. I’ve read and heard a few. The Bible encourages us to pray; some may say commands. Yet I find so few who pray; myself included. It is not that I never pray, but I am definitely not praying without ceasing. I don’t spend hours in prayer and some days I go completely without praying. If I am honest, my excuses are long: no…
