Every vice in us will be cut off—and let’s be honest, we won’t like it. We love our greed more than we realize; that’s why we cling to it. But take heart, friends: the Judge, who has already borne our judgment, prunes not to condemn but to save…

When Isaiah calls us to “prepare the way of the Lord,” we might be tempted to think we are the change agents. Yet in the very next verse, the prophet reveals that the Lord is the true change agent: “Every valley shall be exalted, every mountain and hill made low…” This means that everything matters, and, thanks be to God, the Lord’s cut-and-fill operation does not depend on us.

*With thanks to Fleming Rutledge for all kinds of inspiration.

“Advent isn’t just about Christmas or the Second Coming—it’s about Christ breaking into the here and now. In a world gripped by conflict and uncertainty, we’re not called to retreat into Hallmark hope but to stand, lift our heads, and believe: our redemption is sure.”

A Lord of Lords Encore

Was Pilate a tyrant or a coward? Either way, I see myself in him. When I fear weakness, I dominate. When I fear conflict, I wash my hands clean. Both betray insecurity. True strength—the way of our King—is risky, confident, and bold…

I’m far more like the honor-seeking scribe than the self-giving widow. I’ve chased ‘long robes,’ ‘respect,’ and ‘seats of honor’ — even while pretending not to. But Jesus doesn’t praise the successful scribe; he exalts the selfless woman who gave it all.

A sermon about love two days before the national election. (But mostly it’s about Christ love because mine is so often fickle.)

“Jesus’ summary of the law is the good life, but it’s not the good news. ‘All you need is love’ is my anthem until someone cuts me off or shouts their politics. But there’s One who loved even His enemies—and He loves me when I barely pull off loving my friends.”

Were the disciples angry at James and John for seeking privilege, or because they hadn’t thought of it first? I suspect the latter—and I’m no different. Even when I pretend to be last, I still want to be first. I need my heart to be healed to truly love others as myself…

This passage hits hard. Like the rich man, we often trust in money over God, leaning on the sinking sand of Mammon instead of the solid rock of Christ. The disciples, torn up, ask, “Who then can be saved?” Christ offers the only hope: “For you, it’s impossible, but not with God—for with God all things are possible.”

Though we fail to keep our word, God never fails to keep his promises…