Blog Archives
What happens when we admit Failure?
I have always been captivated by the fact that Jesus’ first instruction to his audience when preaching the gospel was “Repent!” (Mark 1:15). ”Repent” is not a word often used in common contemporary English. Worse still, I’m afraid it’s not a word we use enough in the contemporary church either. From the beginning, turn from our failures and missteps has … Continue reading
We are at War. Pray for us.
Stonings, burning of buildings, and escalating violence in the capital city have marked the new strife between the two countries embattled. My brothers are at war. They live in a country at war. I want to hear their voices. I want to hear if their families are safe. I want to hear the truth. Since the leader declared war yesterday, … Continue reading
All the world Upside Down: A Maundy Thursday Reflection
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14) When one serves a King, one must follow the rule of that King. When one follows Jesus, one gets an added bonus: in the incarnation, Jesus rules as King and provides examples to all of His followers of what it looks … Continue reading
Discipleship means showing up
Monday mornings generally mark the start of a new work week, and for me, that means a very early morning at the gym. We meet, we pray, and we hit it hard. Our small group builds accountability, discipline, and strength. We set goals to increase a healthy dose of spiritual, emotional, and physical strength, and in order to enjoy it all, … Continue reading
Beautiful Feet and the Good News of those who Go
When I think of feet, lots of interesting thoughts enter my mind. Of all the images that race through my head, none of them would be characterized as “beautiful.” When Paul reflected upon the missionary call, he called the messenger’s feet “beautiful” (Romans 10:14-15). Jesus’ followers were willing to leave the comforts of home in order to carry the gospel … Continue reading
More than a Word
Maana Mungu aliupenda ulimwengu hivi hata akamtoa Mwana wake wa pekee, ili kila amwaminiye asipotee, bali awe na uzima wa milele. Unless you have quick access to an online translator, I’m not sure how the words above can have any impact without having some understanding of Kiswahili. Even if you have a grasp on the basic mechanics of the language, … Continue reading
Tell the Truth, or else…
“Everyone lies. The only variable is about what,” repeats a famous fictitious doctor who explains why diseases can be so difficult to diagnose. Symptoms, causes, effects—all of the descriptive content of every disorder must flow through the oral filter of the patient, who may or may not be ready to disclose every detail. When is the last time you lied? … Continue reading
Speak the Truth, Sing the Truth, Live the Truth
God speaks. He communicates with His everyone. From the beginning, God revealed to all creation the traits and attributes that collectively identify Him as the One, the only true God. Out of nothing, He spoke and the world appeared. He spoke and man appeared. Through the ages, God spoke and His prophets and apostles understood and applied His Word directing … Continue reading
Until the Nations have Heard, I’m in…
I’m Mark. By the grace of God, I love my wife, my family, my neighbor, and the nations. The gospel is central to everything I know and live. I enjoy racing triathlons, reading, listening, and thinking. Beyond the Bible and theology, I read history, philosophy, and the sciences. I love the arts, good conversation, and a well-developed sense of humor. … Continue reading
When Story is King
Remember that scene from the first fight in “Lord of the Rings”? Sure you do. If not that one, I’m sure you remember the physiological and psychological effects of the well-crafted, well-told epic. One of the crucial elements of communication includes the ability to transmit a message in a way that the audience can receive it. Fact is, you remember … Continue reading