Jesus does not bless peacekeepers. He blesses peacemakers. The difference is not subtle. A peacekeeper wants the noise to stop. They say whatever is necessary to quiet the room and call it peace. But it is not peace – it is deferred conflict, held together with...
When we hear the words pure in heart, most of us immediately think of a list of things to avoid. Sexual temptation. Certain content. Particular habits. And while purity does include all of those things, the sermon made clear that reducing it to a checklist is to miss...
Paul Tautges writes: the heart that has been forgiven much loves much. When we forget God’s grace, our hearts become proud, and we who have been forgiven much may act like one who believes he has been forgiven little. That is the diagnosis of an unmerciful...
There is a difference between a merciful impulse and a merciful posture. An impulse is occasional — something moves us and we respond with kindness. A posture is the direction your life is inclined toward, the default setting of your heart toward people who are...
Jacob walked away from his encounter with God with a limp. He had wrestled through the night and prevailed in the sense that he received the blessing he sought, but he did not emerge unscathed. The socket of his hip was put out of joint. He would carry the mark of...
