Tonight, I was reminded again through the first Perspectives lesson of the core meaning of the Hebrew word for blessing: “potency for life.” [Thanks, Larry Walker!] I love that definition. It carries so much more depth and weight than the ambiguity that usually comes when we use that word. Abraham was given potency for life so he could extend that same potency to others.¹ When we bless others, it’s more than just the warm fuzzies, random acts of kindness, or sharing generously; it’s about extending life and more life…abundant life…Jesus, who is Life. Just thinking about it gives me more joy than I know what to do with.

Immediately following that joy in my spirit was a song in my mind. My niece introduced it to me a month ago, and it was shared at our church during yesterday’s worship service. If we were to just go by the title, there would be no problem. But if you listen to the lyrics, you’ll understand some of the dissonance I’m encountering.

Both aspects of being blessed by God feel so different, yet are equally true. Both can be true at the same time. However, trying to reconcile the two is challenging me. It’s good.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3.10-11 

1. Genesis 12.1-2 [↩]

Was introduced to this during a time of worship last weekend. Can’t stop listening to it. God knows the way to my heart! How can I say no to Him??

Rise up, my beloved, my fair one, and come away.
For the winter is past, and the rain is over and gone.
The flowers are springing up, and the time of singing birds has come, even the cooing of turtledoves.
The fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom.
How delicious they smell!
Yes, spring is here!
Arise, my beloved, my fair one, and come away.
Song of Solomon 2.10-13

When it comes to God, I’ve been learning to never say “never” to something unless it’s obviously against His word and ways. It’s pretty common advice: “Never say never.” It’s even part of the title of a James Bond movie! It’s also self-refuting. But it’s one of those illogical statements that actually make sense. Continue reading…

The theme God has been impressing on me over the last few weeks is, “lay it down.” Usually it applies to the good stuff: hopes, desires, goals — the things the motivate us and propel us forward. It can also apply to good things of the past: achievements, success, renown — the good things we want to offer to God so we won’t try to steal His glory. But it can also apply to the not so good stuff: hurts, pains, burdens — the things that weigh us down and hold us back from experiencing the fullness of God and following Him as far as we can.

I don’t know why this has felt so revelatory lately. It’s not a groundbreaking concept. For whatever reason, I always felt He wanted to take away the fun stuff. It’s been freeing to know He actually wants to Continue reading…

My youngest nephew, at three years old, is a pretty commanding little guy. From his first words to me, “bye-bye Josie,” to my most recent stay with them, “you should not go bye-bye,” he’s had no problem telling me what to do according to his wishes. Even when I come over for dinner, I’ll ask him where to sit, and, from his high chair, he will point to the chair to his left and say, “you shall sit there.” He can get away with it now because he’s three and cute, and he knows it!

A woman I was catching up with last week encouraged me with a suggestion that has been on my mind ever since.

God never tells us we should do something.

I don’t know if that’s absolutely true. There are definite passages in the Bible, both Old and New Testament, where God (or Jesus) is recorded as saying “should.” Mostly, it’s people saying it, but there are a few prophecies and direct words. In the Mosaic Law, we learn we should never have any poor among us¹ or return to Egypt (for us today this is symbolic, not literal! I’d love to go see the pyramids!)². Obadiah interprets for us a negative application of “should”: we should not take advantage of people in trouble³. In the gospels, Jesus tells us how we should pray⁴ and reiterates the negative command from Obadiah for justice from the positive angle⁵.

I think I see her point though. In trying to recognize the direction of God, we sometimes make it more difficult than it really is.  Continue reading…

1. Deuteronomy 15.4 [↩]
2. Deuteronomy 28.68 [↩]
3. Obadiah 1.12-14 [↩]
4. Matthew 6.9 [↩]
5. Luke 23.23 [↩]