Got friends?

It’s finally happened. After 16 years in pastoral ministry, I have a group of friends who are praying regularly with me and for me. I know it sounds crazy that it’s taken so long. Sure, I’ve had friends who have prayed for me over the years, some who have prayed regularly and diligently. But honestly,

Great read

If you’re studying Mark along with those of us at Redeemer, we’ve made it through the first half of the book.  I am really enjoying taking a close look at Jesus through Mark’s fast-paced storytelling. If you’re looking for a great accompaniment to Mark, or just looking for a good read in general, I highly

Do you not remember?

Mark 7:31-8:30 How do you respond when a crisis crashes into your life? Someone you love is in ICU (that’s what we’re dealing with this week), or a conflict erupts among friends, or someone does something to hurt you? Or how about when an unexpected need arises? Your car needs a new transmission or the

Tradition!

Mark 7:1-30 This weekend we enjoyed seeing our daughter and many of our friends perform the classic musical, Fiddler on the Roof.  Walking into the theater, I anticipated hearing those fun Fiddler songs, laughing at Tevye’s humor, and seeing some great dancing. We enjoyed all that and more! What I didn’t anticipate, however, was walking out of

Come away

Mark 6:30-56 Several truth-packed stories in this section of Mark, but I can’t get past the second verse: Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.  Jesus said that.  He said those words to his disciples after they returned from taking the message of the gospel to neighboring towns.  Apparently they had

Simple words

Mark 6:1-29 We’ve reached the point of the story where Jesus sends his disciples out in pairs, giving them the authority to preach the message of the kingdom.  I love the simplicity of their mission: don’t take anything with you, stay with friends, spread the good news.  Nothing complicated. Their message was simple too.  It’s

The grip of sin

Mark 5 I woke up feeling like something held me in its grip… tight. We’d been enjoying fall break as a family… unplugged time in the mountains with plans only to eat, sleep, read, and hike (and take turns playing with our 2-year-old).  It had been a great week with some beautiful moments and conversations.

How’s your heart doing?

Mark 4:1-34 My husband periodically asks me the question, “How’s your heart doing?”  If my heart is doing well, if it’s in tune with the Spirit and submitting to the Lord, I can welcome the question and answer with a smile, “Pretty well, actually.” But many times the question feels like an intrusion.  My heart

Enjoy the sending

Mark 3:7-35 Jesus is beginning to be pressed from all sides.  The religious leaders plot to destroy him.  The local crowds follow him, harass him, in their desperation to receive healing.  One night he couldn’t even get into his own house to have supper because of the people surrounding him and demanding his attention. Of

Which side of the room are you on?

Mark 2:13-3:6 In the early days of our church plant, we hosted a lot of parties.  We tried to create informal times for people to get to know each other, for relationships to form, and just to have fun together.  I remember playing a group game at one gathering we held in our rented church space.