New England news & perspectives
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Believing our own spin
I recall a number of occasions when politicians were shocked to find that they lost their elections by huge margins. These politicians could not believe they lost because they were so confident of their position on the issues, and in their marketing efforts to communicate those positions. In short, they had begun to believe their own spin, and were shocked to find out that others did not believe it nearly as strongly as they did, and voted for the other candidate.
An Isaiah-sized vision of God
When I decided to begin a sermon series in the book of Isaiah, I knew that my church and I were embarking on a trek through a sometimes-dense forest of difficult-to-understand Old Testament prophecy. Sure, I had a reasonable familiarity with Isaiah from my own previous reading and study of the book. I suspected that we would behold God in his august glory in that vivid manner in which one finds in Isaiah. But I did not plan on Isaiah causing me to be undone by turning the spotlight on the rebellious disobedience of God’s people, and I did not realize I would receive the incredible gift of seeing my own sin.
From challenge to triumph
As a mom of school-aged children, I was struggling to manage all of my responsibilities. Stress, feelings of being overwhelmed and insecurity were my unwelcome companions. I turned to God for help, and He heard my cry. He answered me in a way that I did not expect – He used one of my son’s diagnoses to bring healing and hope in my life.
Carpe diem regno
I get excited to meet with people weekly to disciple believers in their walk with God. During the last few months, face-to-face relationship building has been difficult, but not impossible. In fact, God allowed me to continue making new acquaintances and even have some of the strongest discipleship moments I have ever had in a one-on-one setting while the country went into shut down mode.
Jesus and His teachings
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to walk among us. We must understand some critical things about Him in order to maintain a stable faith.
Mud wrestling
You know those gentle proddings from Jesus – the kind that easily guide you along life’s journey, leading you away from one thing and toward another? Apparently those don't work on me. I seem to need the spiritual equivalent of a two-by-four upside the head to get my attention.