God-given models of community

  The Lord God said, “Let us make humankind in our image”… “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We are wired to be with others. We were created so. When God said, “It is not good for man to be alone,” I believe in that moment He was thinking in general …

All are called to contribute

When [Batimaeus] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the …

Practicing self-worth, identity and dignity

8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”…  11b So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. Noting Mephibosheth’s comment about himself you might be forgiven into assuming that he was feeling sorry for himself and his disabling circumstances. I …

Inclusion is a matter of justice, not charity

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to [Mephibosheth], “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” David’s benevolence does beg the question, would he have shown this kindness …

Strength in apparent weakness

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness”. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. The golden thread running throughout scripture is that …

There are no surprises with God

I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? When I took up God’s challenge …

What is ‘normal’ anyway?

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (for Jews don’t associate with Samaritans). Jesus replied, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would …