Archive — Cross
4 Sep
Lessons Learned From Larry King
Okay, I admit it — I’m a news freak. I live for “The O’Reilly Factor,” always try to wake up in time for “The Today Show” and have literally found myself shouting at the television screen during a heated episode of FOX News’ debate show “Hannity and Colmes.” You seriously would have thought I was watching the Super Bowl or something. But I’ve always really loved “Larry King Live.” In a recent episode of this show, however, my interest quickly changed to disturbance and frustration.
16 Apr
In Communion
This past Sunday, my church family celebrated the Lord’s Supper. As is our custom, the “body” of Christ was passed back and forth along the pews on silver trays, and each believer in the sanctuary carefully extracted a single piece to hold until all were served and the pastor had asked God to bless it. As I held the bread between my thumb and index finger, really more of a square, cracker-like substance than bread, I noted the powdery white residue that clung to my fingertips, and a thought began to grow in my mind. Yes, I know I should have been praying or meditating, but sometimes my mind has a mind of its own. (Is such a thing possible?) Anyway, I noted the fine powder on my fingers and began to think of how communion with the Lord should leave just as visible an impression on my life as the “bread” did on my hands.
6 Apr
The End of Death
Fourteen years ago, I sat on Pensacola Beach as the tide moved in and out – but I barely noticed the ocean. I was too enamored with this gorgeous woman sitting next to me, my girlfriend for a couple years. We talked. We dug our toes in the cool sand. My heart thumped like a sledgehammer trying to break free. And when the time was right, I said, for the very first time, I love you.
Truthfully, though, I had little idea what those words meant. I didn’t know the kind of desire and pain and hope and disappointment that came along with such a simple declaration. We usually grasp the gravity of our profound experiences later, as we actually begin to live them.
23 Mar
Gravity
Have you ever had a circumstance that has just totally brought you down to the harsh reality of life? It feels like gravity is just crushing in on you and your world is falling apart – maybe when you lose your job or receive a phone call and find out a friend has committed suicide. Somehow life will never be the same and you are stuck dealing with the tragic realities of life on earth… .
As a friend, what can I say to this family that has experienced such a loss this week? How can there be any hope for them? I’ve thought about this question for the last few days and have really had a difficult time coming up with anything that would be meaningful to this family right now. The only answer I’ve been able to come to is that there is no hope outside of Jesus.
19 Mar
Tattoos of Grace
Why did Jesus keep His scars? After all, if He had the power to raise Himself from death, He certainly could have erased the terrible marks that our sin had left on His body. But, He didn’t. He didn’t even try to cover them up.
