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A Graduation Message
One of my favorite books of the Bible is the book of Ecclesiastes. It contains observations about the nature of life and the nature of God in ways that are incredibly relatable. As a result I often use the ending refrain of the book when talking about the closing of a school year: Of making…
Read MoreWhen All We Can Do Is Pray: Reflections on Ukraine
Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray. I have heard that saying a lot in Christian circles. It is spoken softly in hospital rooms. It is screamed across social media in the midst of gun violence. It is spoken in hushed tones as parents wrestle with disappointments during teenage years. It is offered…
Read MoreCelebration
There are two marks of true celebration: a complete and utter release from a feeling of care and concern and a sense of joy that bubbles up and bursts from our hearts. In the Bible God actually commands that the Israelites gather to celebrate communally every year and that the congregate to throw a huge…
Read MoreWorship
“Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of [God]” (Foster). This is the premise and truth that Richard J. Foster begins with in his chapter on worship in “Celebration of Discipline.” Worship is more than singing songs, coming together and hearing God’s word read and taught. It is an activity…
Read MorePrayer
“Praying for you.” It is something we say to one another and often do for one another. And frankly, it means a lot to hear that from someone. It encourages us and strengthens us in our faith and as a community. Prayer can seem really complicated, but I think that is why Jesus reminded the…
Read MoreMeditation
Meditation A couple of months ago a friend introduced me to a meditation app on my phone called, “Calm.” It has hundreds of meditation lessons and some bedtime stories for adults (G rated) that can help you fall asleep. The app has exercises for stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness – and more breathing exercises than you…
Read MoreThe Disciplines
Every summer I find myself looking for ways to relax, disconnect and recharge. Summer sunshine, long days of light and the slower pace demanded by the heat and humanity of Michigan summers, coupled with vacation time with friends, does wonders for my soul. Those lengthened days and easier rhythms of life often open up more…
Read MoreWhere Do We Go From Here?
This coming Saturday, Campus Edge Fellowship is hosting an event entitled: Where Do We Go From Here? A Conversation on Calling and Vocation for Graduate and Professional Students. It is open to all current MSU graduate and professional students – and to recent graduates as well. It centers around finding our calling as Christ followers in…
Read MoreLenten Reflections Week 7: Rest and Sabbath
Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3 Reflection: Often we look at humankind as the final and most important work of creation. After all, when God finished creating humankind, God looked at the whole world and called it “very good.” However, the scriptural account of creation does not end there. In his book “Living the Sabbath”, Norman Wirzba argues…
Read MoreLenten Reflections Week 6: Humans and the Earth
Scripture: Genesis 1:24-31 Reflection: The word “created” is used sparingly in scripture with it most often referring to God’s work in creating the world. However, the first chapter of Genesis uses it five times. The chapter opens with a statement that God “created the heavens and the earth.” The birds and the fish get that…
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