Shadowy Valleys and Unfading Worth (Psalm 23:1)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”Psalm 23:1 Let’s be honest. This is a tough verse. There is plenty that I want. As someone who lives in the United States, it is far …
Rondall Reynoso
Deconstruction or Reimagining Faith?
Deconstruction is all the rage. It seems we are constantly bombarded with news of evangelical celebrities who have deconstructed their faith. Often, this leads, eventually, to news of the celebrity leaving the faith. What is …
Above All, Despite the Jolts (1 Peter 4:8)
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”1 Peter 4:8 NRSVue Reflection: Love. I have heard it talked about in church as far back as I can remember. …
White America… Take Responsibility and Repent
Last week was a hard week for our nation. I haven’t sat watching the news, fighting tears swelling in my eyes, since Hurricane Katrina. But, in that case, my tears were over a natural tragedy. …
Hope Beyond Tears (Revelation 21:4)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”Revelation 21:4 NRSVue Reflection: Often, the Gospel …
When the Church Forgets Scripture
For good or ill—and I think it was almost exclusively good—I grew up in a small country church that was disconnected from the broader Christian culture. I did not grow up listening to Christian music. …
Proverbs, Not Promises—and the Prayers We Play (Proverbs 13:12)
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”Proverbs 13:12 NRSVue Reflection: We love Proverbs. They are practical, and we view them as nuggets of wisdom that can improve …
Obvious Sins, Simple Truths (Galatians 5:19-21)
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned …
When the Darkness Comes (Psalm 23:4)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”Psalm 23:4 NRSVue Reflection: Most of us are familiar with the …
Dear Lee University and the Church of God
Dear Lee University and the Church of God, I remember once in my early twenties having a flashing suicidal thought while going through a rough time. That was the only time in my life, until …