Two Parables

I love the parables of Jesus. He says so much in so few words. I think that’s the beauty of language used properly: so much more can be communicated when it’s implied rather than stated. And when the Author of language itself—the Word made…

Regarding Liturgies and “Every Moment Holy”

Every Moment Holy Today I’d like to do something a little different: rather than waxing eloquent about a poem or author, I’d like to recommend a book I’ve never read. Sound risky? Maybe so, but read on to see why I’m willing to take…

Masterful Poems, Part 2: “Meditation 1.1”

What love is this of Thine that cannot be In Thine infinity, O Lord, confined, Unless it in Thy very person see Infinity and finity conjoined? With this beautiful, mind-bending question, Edward Taylor begins his poem “Meditation 1.1.” His wit, wordplay, and sincere devotion…

What Is “Christian Liberty”?

If you’ve been around churchy folk very often, you may have heard discussions about something called “Christian liberty.” But what is Christian liberty, really? Is it a blank check for believers to live however they want to, as long as the Bible doesn’t explicitly…

Masterful Poems: “Carrion Comfort”

“Not, I’ll not, carrion comfort, Despair, not feast on thee.” So begins a poem that may not be, at first glance, a very cheerful one. After all, the first half of the poem is addressed to Despair itself, describing it as dead, putrefying flesh—a…

Longing for Something, Part 3

It’s time! We’re finally going to look together at the long-awaited conclusion of Romans 8! These verses are full of comfort, promise, and peace, and I can’t wait to share them with you. But glory shines brightest against the dark backdrop of sin, and…

Longing for Something, Part 2

“We earnestly desire consummation for the healing of our broken hearts and the drying of our tears. We want to live where ‘goodbye’ isn’t even in our vocabulary. We long for all things to be made new. And this is the consummation that the…