Deep-End Discipleship

  “ What is the source of conflict among you? What is the source of your disputes? Don’t they come from your cravings that are at war in your own lives? - James 4:1 CEB - So much bubbles inside me at times, I am at times ashamed to admit how much inner turmoil and uncertain decisions lie under the surface of what might to others seem like a well put together façade. There is always doubt, angst, hesitancy & chaos right under the surface at times. We often assume or hope that being a Christian will smooth out and quell the storm within us.   Yet often it is quite the opposite. Once we pay attention to what we should be doing and what God wants from us, our hesitancy and guilt take over and create more inner voices pulling at us. Much like the classic Jedi and Sith push and pull described in the Star Wars movies, the light sides and dark sides of ourselves are at war within us. And sadly the turmoil does not just give us stress, it leaks out and can poison th...

"Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all." - James 1:17 CEB - We're a few weeks into the school year. We're getting into our classes, working hard in sports, practicing for performing arts, and adjusting to the crazy normal that is the school year. It feels like life is constantly changing sometimes. Some people love the excitement of an ever-changing life while others dread the inevitable changes and wish for something constant. In this passage of the letter of James, James reminds his readers that God does not change. God gives good gifts and gives them perfectly. Based on the verses before verse 17, it appears the audience of James was tempted to sin. We all still sin even 2000 years after Christ walked the earth! James reminds them that the temptation to sin does not come from God. God does not give us bad things su...