Advent shapes our expectations

Advent shapes our expectations

This is why I’m grateful for the season of advent. Advent means coming or appearing, and it is a season that shapes our expectations. It reminds us that the world waited a long time for Christ’s first coming and that when he came it was not in the way they expected....
Advent shapes our expectations

Giving Thanks in the Midst of a Difficult 2020

Prepositions matter! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances.”  I’m really glad the command isn’t to “give thanks for all circumstances.” There are lots of things I cannot and even should not give thanks for this year, but in the midst of...
Advent shapes our expectations

When disappointment comes

Looking at scripture, I see two interrelated things. First we take it to the Lord. I have often said the Lord prefers our anger to our apathy. We can and should tell God about our frustrations and disappointments, even if on some level they are with Him. We see people...
Advent shapes our expectations

3 Phrases We Should Use More Often

First, “I don’t know.”  Truthfully, I hate having to say “I don’t know” but the truth is I don’t know.  I don’t know all of what God is doing in this moment in our history or exactly how we should respond.  Yet when I admit I don’t know I put myself in a position to...