There were a lot of rules growing up in a small-town Texas conservative church back in the 1970s and 80s: Girls couldn’t wear slacks to church OR to school, never mind wearing jeans. Dancing was a no-go because it could lead to other bad things. (“Don’t have sex because it might lead to dancing!” was … Continue reading LEGALISM: What It Is and Why People are Drawn to It
Here in Washington state, we've been told not to sing during in-person worship services during the height of this pandemic, or at least until January 4, 2021. https://thenationalreporterng.com/face-coverings-to-be-mandatory-in-cinemas-and-churches-in-england-from-august-8/ Important Note: My post, here, isn't to debate whether that recommendation is good/appropriate/reasonable/lawful, or not. So please don't go there in the comments, OK? Instead, I want … Continue reading Unexpected Pandemic Gifts
https://quotefancy.com/quote/1491652/Tullian-Tchividjian-Holy-Saturday-The-best-reminder-that-the-silence-of-God-doesn-t-equal We tend to not pay as much attention to the Saturday between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday as we do those two momentous days, but as my friend Bill (William Lawrence) shares in his thoughts today, we need to pause and reflect on the weight of that Holy Saturday, too. It's important to slow … Continue reading While We Wait: Pausing Before the Resurrection (COVID-19)
The joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) No, seriously, it is. The more our faith matures, the more we REALLY understand that the joy that comes from our faith in God is different than anything else. It doesn't depend on circumstances or "happiness" or what other people do or don't do. It … Continue reading A Different Kind of Joy
Peripheral Wisdom 