5th March, 2010 by Rich Dixon 1 Comment
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]
Yesterday I wrote about one aspect of good. If you’d like to read that story first, go ahead … I’ll wait.
I’m sure you’ve heard the currently-popular expression: It’s all good. Today, I’d like to transform it into a question: It’s ALL good?
No, it’s not ALL good. (more…)
26th February, 2010 by Rich Dixon No Comments
… is most dangerous when you stare at it.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [1 Peter 5:8]
How often to you consciously think about evil? (more…)
19th February, 2010 by Rich Dixon 1 Comment
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. [Luke 15:22-24]
I learned something today that absolutely surprised me.
It’s not that I’m surprised by the learning, but this particular tidbit totally contradicts something I thought I knew. That’s frustrating. There’s so much I don’t know; if I have to re-learn old stuff I’m never going to make any progress.
You know the parable of The Prodigal Son, right? (Luke 15:11-32) It’s one of the more familiar parables. Long story made short: younger son demands his share of the inheritance, wanders off and squanders it. After taking some demeaning labor just to stay alive, he decides to return home and beg his father for a job. Dad sees him coming, rushes to greet him, and throws a lavish party. Older brother resents Dad’s unconditional welcome. (more…)
12th February, 2010 by Rich Dixon No Comments
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. [Romans 8:26-27]
If I asked you to point to the place your spirit resides, how would you respond?
My guess is that most people would place a hand on their chest. Most of us perceive that our spirit resides in the heart.
A few weeks ago my friend Jan Coates wrote (Attitude Adjustment) about the Greek word kardia, the word translated as “heart” in the bible. (more…)
5th February, 2010 by Rich Dixon 4 Comments
In essentials, unity.
In non-essentials, liberty.
In all things, love.
Augustine
Yeah, but what are the “essentials”?
Yesterday I asked the question Who’s “They”? in the context of our propensity to draw lines and categorize ourselves in terms of we and they. Then I ran across this familiar Augustine quote.
It made me wonder why, as followers of Jesus, we’re so quick to point out distinctions and differences. (more…)
29th January, 2010 by Rich Dixon No Comments
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]
I’m sorry.
Those words don’t always come easily, and sometimes really meaning them is harder than saying them. But what happens once you’ve mustered the courage to apologize? (more…)
22nd January, 2010 by Rich Dixon No Comments
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. [Isaiah 43:18-19]
How long does “new” last?
Just a few weeks ago we celebrated a new year and opened new gifts. And, just like that, the shine disappeared. New isn’t new any longer.
Does it stop being new once you take it out of the box? Do you have to use it, program it, play with it, or wear it before it’s no longer new? Is there a time limit on “new?” (more…)
15th January, 2010 by Rich Dixon 3 Comments
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. [1 John 4:7-10]
Where is Jesus?
An earthquake devastates an already impoverished nation. Horrific images flash across the television screen. Haiti scrambles to rescue and survive.
I recall similar pictures—terrorist attack, tsunami, hurricane, tornado—and the question always arises.
Where is Jesus? (more…)
8th January, 2010 by Rich Dixon 3 Comments
Am I a Christian?
Yesterday I wrote about labels (What’s Your Label?) from my perspective as a wheelchair user. One commenter observed that labels make it easier to navigate our relationships. Once I know you’re one of “those” I automatically respond in a certain manner. While that may not be right, it’s probably realistic. (more…)
2nd January, 2010 by Rich Dixon 2 Comments
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]
Grace and truth?
I think a lot about John’s opening verses describing Jesus simply as The Word. I love the poetry, the imagery, and the intimate spiritual experience John portrays.
In his first letter (1 John 1) he expands the picture of a sensory, experiential encounter with Jesus: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
Can you feel his passion? John isn’t just relating words. He’s proclaiming a deep connection involving his senses—he touched The Word, saw and heard The Word, felt and experienced The Word of God. I sense that John invites me to allow The Word to wrap itself around me and soak into me until I’m literally infused with its presence and power.
But I’ve always sort of wondered about the linkage of grace and truth, which he repeats in verse 17: For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (more…)
I'm a writer and motivational speaker who enjoys exploring issues related to adversity, hope, dreams, and faith.
