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Life Coach Jesus - Key Life
Jesus as “life-coach” type of Christianity has a mood that is not always easy to identify. Often, the environment includes a good bit of talk about Jesus. But the takeaway of the message is most definitely not “Jesus paid it all.” After a message like this is delivered, you’re probably confused by the time you get to your car. Here’s how it goes: You go to a church service. The pastor is well spoken, knows the Bible, and loves the people in the pews.
Don’t Settle for Jesusy Advice - Key Life
All God’s demands are good, but the problem is, all the demanding isn’t helping any of our doing. Here’s what’s obvious. Of course you and I should be getting better at the Christian life. Of course you and I should be more kind, loving, and generous. We do need to play by the rules of the “Owner’s Manual for Life.” Of course you should be making more of an impact in the world. You should feel really excited and energized in your faith. We all should.
Marriage: The Happy, Holy, Beautiful Mess - Key Life
Ever hear the old adage: “Marriage isn’t primarily intended for your happiness, but for your holiness?” Well, it’s true and it’s a glorious thing. The growing in holiness part doesn’t always seem blissful. But it means that God isn’t finished with you yet, either. The purpose and hope in marriage isn’t defined by you or your spouse, but by God. THE BRIDE & GROOM’S SINISTER MINISTER Let’s talk about weddings.
Men Who Ask for Directions (and Other Miracles) - Key Life
I’ve been thinking lately that maybe being “lost” isn’t such a bad spiritual condition. At least it’s better than believing I have everything figured out with God. You see, when we admit our lostness, there’s help. When we refuse to acknowledge how lost we really are, we’re kind of on our own. Back in the days when GPS wasn’t a thing yet, it wasn’t uncommon for me to get lost with driving directions. And it was usually to an important event like a wedding out in the country.
Weeds and Crap Sandwiches - Key Life
Unemployment sucks. I’ve had this unfortunate crap sandwich land on my plate a couple times in the last few years. In one situation, I had to leave a toxic church-staff job out of fear of going crazy if I stayed another day. In another scenario I got the gut-punch of an ego bruising layoff. I’ve avoided writing about this publicly until now because I’ve needed to work though the personal impact of underemployment without needing any sort of response in return.
With Apologies To Stuart Smalley - Key Life
/ Articles / With Apologies To Stuart Smalley Are you a “glass half-full” or “glass half-empty” kind of person, and what might your answer say about the Christian life? Whether you’re drawn more toward cheery bible verses (I’m more than a conqueror in Christ!), or the black cloud verses (the good that I would, I do not), and whether you see life through “rose colored glasses,” or seem to always have a dark cloud hanging over you, you’re engaging in anthropology.
In Praise of Friendship Amidst the Poo-Tornados of Life - Key Life
/ Articles / In Praise of Friendship Amidst the Poo-Tornados of Life Smarty pants theologians call the tough underbelly of life the place where God makes Christians into “theologians of the cross.” Maybe so, but for now, I’ll settle for calling the last five years my own personal “crap tornado.” Sometimes life just sucks, doesn’t it? I don’t mean it’s all bad. I’ve got food in my belly and breath in my lungs.
Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown - Key Life
Christmastime is a season of joy, giving, peace, and goodwill. But it doesn’t always feel that way, does it? You know you should be happy around Christmas, but some years, you end up feeling a little letdown. Don’t worry—you’re in good company. Charlie Brown has been there and done that, since 1965. If you watch any animated Christmas special this year, make it A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s had a 50-year run for a reason: it’s true to life, and has an awesome, unexpected moment of grace.
Peter, The Courageous Coward - Key Life
SELF-ASSURED OR FEARFUL? Are you a self-assured risk taker? Or are you passive and fearful? These seem like opposing traits. But according to the Gospels, Peter was all of these things—sometimes all within a single day. Peter’s waffling tendencies seem like the stuff of psych case studies. But really, his issues are a two-sides-of-the-same-coin kind of problem rooted in fear. One day Peter is puffing his chest out as he vows to march to his death defending Jesus.
There is a Crack in Everything. That’s How the Light Gets In. - Key Life
Well into my twenties, I put a false hope in association with a “movement.” It carved out a sense of belonging and identity for me. But my hope is not in belonging to a fleeting moment within a movement, but to my Savior who is eternally at work, by his Spirit, despite outward appearances. God is often at work in counterintuitive ways. We often chase after big shiny things or “important” people who make us feel good about ourselves and guarantee us a table with the cool kids.
I'm a Crappy Christian - Key Life
/ Articles / I’m a Crappy Christian I’m a crappy Christian. Not only that, but the life of faith often does not feel good. Or fulfilling. I don't know, maybe I’m doing it wrong. In reality I’m probably a much better pagan than a follower of Jesus. And how about you? Don’t be shy. It’s OK to admit it; this may be the open door to getting free of a stifling religion. So you’re a crappy Christian. Don’t worry; there’s a Savior for that.
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