To live out justice means to hate what is evil embrace what is good act on it with wisdom take note of what’s broken speak like a prophet intervene to right wrongs when the Spirit leads the way freeing slaves of greed-mastersor of dirty justice systemsor of cultural traditionsthat demean and disrespectthe dignities of peopleContinue reading “To Do What He Requires”
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On a Thread
It’s a quick walk on a fine thread, this gift of life, this privilege of breath and beating heart and strength to step ahead. So many disappear, flash out of sight, thread cut off before its final length unwinds. We shout “No!,” and cry, and move along, subdued, with more awareness of the dangers, rightContinue reading “On a Thread”
What He Wants
every weakness self-pity selfishness laziness procrastination lost opportunities hurts inflicted back-stabbing shaming ungracious picky hateful oozing woundsmisunderstoodbetrayedminimizedmalignedignoredsoul sufferinglonely depressedbattereddeceivedundressedall fell on himthe crushing weightof meannesscorruptionpaindespairthank youseems so smallto sayso minimalagainst the massof grief What grace, yes, amazing grace, was poured out on us through Jesus’ death on the cross! It saves any wretch who comesContinue reading “What He Wants”
Serve the Word!
This is our calling when we follow Jesus: we are “servants of the Word.” He is the Word! He speaks to us, through Scripture texts (the written Word) and also through his Spirit, our Counselor, our Guide.He lives inside me,makes my heart’s eyessee the highlightshe has stroked acrossthose texts so relevantto me, my life.Do IContinue reading “Serve the Word!”
Rooted, Held Firm
When I choose to trust in spite of everything I shoot new rootlets into the pulsing burrowing system that anchors me in Jesus’ love. Living thereI amdrinking inhesed and agapeunendingintimateunselfishempatheticforgivingunretaliatinglove beyondmy understanding.My heart is fullmy veinsare pulsingenergy of lifeand Jesushas becomemy constantstrength and song. There is so much imagery in the Bible about plants! TheContinue reading “Rooted, Held Firm”
Confession in the Storm
When turmoil seems to rule like waves surging high to crash, foaming— and you, Lord, seem to be asleep— fear also rises and takes control of our thoughts.We hear the rage of the storm.We feel the cold wind pierceand chill our hearts,icicle spears that do not melt.We run to you,crying out for you to actContinue reading “Confession in the Storm”
Morning Thank-yous
Thank you for green filaments waving in the breeze on this hot day, for silver sunlight filtered through gray overcast skies, for the solid round edges of mangoes still ripening, hanging pregnantly from bowed branches,and for those that have turned to gold and fallen to thirsty earth to make new wine and maybe children.Thank youContinue reading “Morning Thank-yous”
My One Safe Place
When even the sunrise is muted by dust, the air polluted with smoke and red dirt, there is one safe place where I can stay, breathing in air that is healthy and clean, a place where my heart-hurts heal as I pray. Here beside you,I’m finding a wayto gradually layeach major worry,each broken hopeon theContinue reading “My One Safe Place”
Higher Things
Even tiny finches live in a dimension far above mine— perching on light poles, playing among tree blossoms, drinking sweet nectar. But you, Lord, also call me to higher things, to not stay prisoner to dust and traffic and corruption. You say my name and my soul rises to meet with you. You give aContinue reading “Higher Things”
What He is Weaving in the Wind
Wind whips wisps of hair into eyes blurred by despair; gusts grab my pulsing heart. Nearly toppling, scrambling for safe purchase, I scream . . . DON’T BE AFRAID! STAND UP, THROW ROOTS TO DEEP SOIL, TWIRL THEM ‘ROUND ALL OBSTACLES— GO FURTHER DOWN, FURTHER IN; WRAP THEM ‘ROUND MY LOVE! KNOW THAT I AMContinue reading “What He is Weaving in the Wind”
Linnea's Lines 