“I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” Out of Africa, Isak Dinesen There is a school in Africa nestled on the edge of the great Rift Valley, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Here students come from across the African continent to study at the Lutheran School of […]
A blessed Easter season to you and your family. During the Passion week, sin’s wage came due . On Good Friday, the debt was paid . And on that first day of the week, the empty tomb is the resurrection receipt – the Father’s notice to the unholy trinity (the devil, the corrupt world, and […]
A blessed and sacred Holy Week to you. The call of the 40 day season of Lent is to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and “consider Him” so that we might repent of our sins and receive all the gifts that only the Triune God can give. (Hebrews 12:1-3)In order to help you “consider Him” […]
Does it seem like you and your family are being harassed by the “unholy trinity” of … the devil, the corrupt world, and the sinful flesh? Are these spiritual enemies winning the day? Do you feel ill equipped to fight back? During Lent 2023, I’d like to give you some daily and weekly spiritual practices […]
My mother sends me a text every February 14th reminding me of my baptismal birthday. While reminiscing, she likes to note that I screamed the entire time. I suppose Luther’s introductory words to his baptismal rite were appropriate for me … “flee you evil spirit and make room for the Holy Spirit!” A few weeks […]
For nearly two full years we’ve been living in an unpredictable, uncertain world. Many are wondering … what if 2022 is exactly the same? Or some might think … COULD 2022 BE A WHOLE LOT WORSE? The past two years have brought more than physical suffering and illness. They have infected our way of life, […]
For nearly two full years we’ve been living in an unpredictable, uncertain world. The COVID years have brought suffering and illness, plagued our thoughts, crippled our plans, weakened relationships, decimated trust. They have infected our way of life and created a state of chronic chaos. Scroll through your social media feeds, watch the news, […]
Welcome to The Receptive Life video series. This week we will focus on Station 1 of the Daily Practice: The Sign of the Cross and the Daily Invocation. Here’s today’s video … Day 1: The Sign of the Cross and Trinitarian Invocation In the coming weeks (on Mondays – Fridays), I’ll walk you through each of […]
Behind every story there’s a backstory – the story behind the story. In this video I trace the events and experiences that “flipped” my spiritual ladders from performance to reception. In the video I talk about … washing out of the pre-med program the spiritual ladder of “performance” my parents 30 day notice my first […]
In this new year I’d like to offer up a spiritual framework that will teach you how … to defend yourselves against the “unholy trinity” (the devil, the corrupt world, and your own sinful flesh) to fight using the Scriptures and all of the promises of the person and work of Jesus to rest and […]
The peace of Jesus to you and your home. Come what may, we do belong to Him and He abundantly gives all gifts needed for this life and the one to come. On Monday, January 24th, I’ll be starting a new video series called The Receptive Life. It’s a spiritual framework and a daily practice that […]
As we begin 2022, I’d like to share with you six Scriptural metaphors that reorient our understanding of … the incessant attacks of the “unholy trinity” (the devil, the corrupt world, and our own sinful flesh) the daily work of the Triune God on behalf of His creation the power of the Word of God […]
A blessed New Year to you and your family. It’s been a hard couple of years for all of us. With a sure and certain hope, we commend 2022, and all that we love, into the hands of the Triune God. Come what may, we do belong to Jesus. fighting the “unholy trinity” in 2022 […]
We are beggars; this is true! Martin Luther Martin Luther described the life of the Christian as “vita passiva” (Latin for “the receptive life”). When it comes to the forgiveness of sins, a clear conscience and reconciliation with God, we offer nothing. No works. No merits. Rather, through the gift of faith, we cling solely to the […]
