There are many passages in scripture that I find deeply troubling. One example is Psalm 137:8-9: Oh Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy is the one who pays you back for what you have done to us. Happy is the one who takes your babies and smashes them against the rocks. Let that sink in for a moment. Smashing babies against rocks. Exactly what are we supposed to do with a Psalm like this? Granted, it’s an … [Read more...]
Your Worship is True, Even When It’s Not
On Sunday, I watched as our worship leader sang his way through what seemed a challenging pair of songs. Something was just a little… off. The band mostly held it together, but our usually-effortless songster seemed to slightly push against his songs rather than flowing with them. Worship was great despite this, and I messaged him later to encourage him. Anyone can have a down day. But it turns out something … [Read more...]
Does Jesus Demand My Poverty?
As Christians, many of us have an awkward relationship with our money. We don’t like to talk about it, but deep down we worry that we’re supposed to give more of it away. Or, maybe we’ve been taught something else — maybe we’re convinced that God only ever desires for our personal wealth to increase, being the loving father that he is. He’d never hold back more blessing from his treasured children, right? If we just … [Read more...]
Three Years Without Stuff – Rules of the Game
Last week I shared my decision to take a three year break from purchasing new things. I haven’t come to it lightly; I’ve thought long and hard about my reasons. It’s not about punishing myself or living like a hipster pilgrim. It’s about eliciting specific change and growth in myself. I’ve loved and desired material possessions too much for most of my life, and with God’s help I plan to change that … [Read more...]