Author: matt
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Trivial Pursuits
Sunshine. Beaches. Mountains. Wealth. Pleasure. Leisure. Image obsession. World class cities and attractions. What do all these have in common? These are some of the hallmarks of the physical and cultural landscape of where I live. Lately, I have been thinking about the culture here in Southern California. The weather is nice most of the…
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Being Late for the Glory of God
Jesus had just miraculously fed over five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. It was now getting late, and Jesus had sent the crowds home. As for his disciples — he made them get into a boat and sent them to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus himself went up on a…
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When You Need Hope
Hope is an interesting phenomenon. With hope, people can thrive despite their circumstances. Without hope, people can slip into depression, despondency and despair. But not all hope is created equal. I can hope it will snow in August in Southern California, but it’s just not going happen. I can hope it will be hotter than blue blazes, and I will probably get my…
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Finding the Faith to Worship
Lately, I have been thinking about Noah. One day, God spoke to Noah about a flood that was coming and would cause great destruction. Noah believed God, so he began to build an enormous boat (presumably nowhere near the ocean). His neighbors probably laughed. His wife probably thought he was crazy. And despite his faith, I’m…
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Me First
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God…When you are on the way to court with your adversary,…
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God at Work: How to be Pure without being Snotty
Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel…“Please test us for ten days on a diet…
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Take a Walk
In the foothills near my house, is a creek side trail. I’ve hiked the trail dozens of times. One day while taking this familiar path, I noticed a sign I hadn’t seen before. The sign read: “No Trespassing”. There I was on the wrong side of the fence, a law-breaker, a trespasser! I quickly turned around and have not been…
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Give
Christmas is the season of giving. We are obligated to give to some, happy to give to others and urged to give to causes, organizations and those in need. Whether we like it or not, giving is in season. We all have limited resources. Limited money and limited time. And we might not be able to…
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Better a Branch than a Tree
Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and all his hordes: “To whom would you compare your greatness? You are like mighty Assyria, which was once like a cedar of Lebanon, with beautiful branches that cast deep forest shade… Because Egypt became proud and arrogant, and because it set itself so high above the others, with its…
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The Smells of the Season
Yesterday, my family and I spent the day out and about in busy Southern California. Although we had an enjoyable day together, everywhere we went we noticed a strange odor. It wasn’t the fragrance of evergreen, or chestnuts roasting on a fire. It wasn’t hot cocoa or other Christmas treats. It was the raw, offensive odor…
Invited & Called 