Currently reading: Jesus and the Powers by N. T. Wright π
Diving into some texts on power this week. Starting with this one and going from there.
My Own Heart's Question - Would I Take Jesus at His Word?
Do you trust anyone?
It’s a hard question to answer, isn’t it?
We live in a culture of radical mistrust. How do we know what is real and what is fake? Is it even possible to know the answer to that any longer?
Every day it seems like I see something on the Internet and think, “Man, that is so cool. I wonder if it’s real?”
#Wordle 1,356 4/6*
β¬β¬β¬β¬π© π¨π¨π¨β¬π© β¬π©π©π¨π© π©π©π©π©π©
The #OldGal scored a four today too!
This is so on point and true.
You know what I think is weird? That people will condemn you for not keeping up with the news while they think nothing about ignoring philosophy, literature, theology, cultural criticism, history. You will be at the mercy of spinmeisters if you lack a worldview that structures the news.
A good reminder for me (and mybe you) on social media:
βNever argue with an idiot; they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.β - Mark Twain
Often, more times than not, I am the idiot.
Today begins Lent, a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter. During Lent we experience the full swing of emotion from the celebration of Christβs triumphal entry to the heartbreak of the crucifixion.
I pray we will fully enter into it.
#Wordle 1,355 3/6*
π¨β¬π¨β¬β¬ β¬π¨π¨β¬π¨ π©π©π©π©π©
The #OldGal scored a 4, victory!
#Wordle 1,354 4/6*
β¬β¬β¬β¬π¨ β¬π¨β¬β¬β¬ β¬β¬β¬π¨β¬ π©π©π©π©π©
The #OldGal scores a par today. I am glad to see at least one 3 from the #YoungPups out here already!
I am really looking forward to getting away for a few days to watch our son play baseball and also have plenty of margin to read.
Can't Get No Satisfaction? Look Deeper.
Jesus in Conversation
It often strikes me that the saying “there’s nothing new under the sun” rings true. We might pay lip service to the idea, but sometimes, it hits us with surprising force.
Today, I’m grappling with the question: “Where do I find my satisfaction?”
My message from Sunday on Micah 3-5.
From Ruin to Redemption - Godβs Justice and Promise
Dan reflects on the cultural phenomenon of the "antihero," using the TV show "Breaking Bad" as a prime example. He contrasts this with the clear moral lines of the film "Remember the Titans." This reflection then transitions into an examination of the book of Micah, specifically chapters 3, 4, and 5.
Key Highlights:
- "Breaking Bad" and the Rise of the Antihero:
- Dan discusses how the show portrays a drug dealer, Walter White, as a sympathetic protagonist, highlighting the cultural shift where audiences root for characters who perform immoral actions.
- This reflects a cultural trend where the lines between good and evil are blurred.
- "Remember the Titans" and Clear Moral Lines:
- Dan contrasts "Breaking Bad" with a scene from "Remember the Titans," emphasizing the clear distinction between right and wrong.
- The quote "Attitude reflects leadership, captain." is used to illustrate the difference between the two cultural items.
- Micah's Prophecy and Its Relevance Today:
- Dan dives into Micah's condemnation of corrupt leaders and false prophets in Israel, drawing parallels to contemporary society.
- Micah's message highlights the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over justice and righteousness.
- Scripture readings from Micah 3, 4, and 5 are included to reinforce the message.
- Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Idols:
- Dan emphasizes Micah's call to trust in God rather than worldly power or material possessions.
- Dan points out how God chooses the broken and marginalized to be his remnant.
- Dan draws a connection between Micah's prophecies and the ministry of Jesus.
- The Transformation of the Heart:
- Dan uses C.S. Lewis's imagery of God rebuilding the heart to illustrate the transformative power of faith.
- The episode concludes with a challenge to listeners to examine what they are placing their trust in.
- Key theme: Dan contrasts the worlds view of good and evil, with the biblical view, and challenges listeners to examine their own hearts.
#Wordle 1,353 3/6*
π©β¬π¨π¨π¨ π©β¬π©π©π© π©π©π©π©π©
The #OldGal got trapped in a rabbit hole for a 5! Time to dog pile #YoungPups!
#Wordle 1,352 4/6*
β¬β¬β¬β¬π¨ β¬π¨β¬π¨π¨ π©π©π©β¬π© π©π©π©π©π©
Missed opportunity for a birdie today. The #OldGal also scored a 4 for par. Any #YoungPups with a 3?
Iβm preaching from Micah 3-5 tomorrow morning.
It is timely.
It is uncomfortable.
I am nervous.
I havenβt been nervous to preach a sermon in a long, long time.
#Wordle 1,351 5/6*
β¬β¬β¬π¨π¨ β¬π¨β¬π¨π© β¬π©π©π©π© β¬π©π©π©π© π©π©π©π©π©
The #OldGal posted a 4 today. She crushed me. I hope we have a 3 from the #YoungPups!
Good morning! When you get home after 2:30 am the morning doesnβt start until almost 10. May you be joyful today! #MorningMug