Category Archives: Mark’s Blog

Prayer for the week after Christmas

“Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in … Continue reading

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on Prayer for the week after Christmas

Letting Go; Getting God

In 1900, the average American could list thirteen things that were essential to a normal life. By 2000, that list had grown to over 90 things. That’s right from thirteen necessities to ninety necessary things. Matthew 6:24-33 reminds us that … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on Letting Go; Getting God

Peace from Stress

Olivia Taylor-Young wrote a moving tribute to “Silent Night” in yesterday’s Eugene Register-Guard. She movingly described the healing effects singing “Silent Night” has, and the almost mystical sense of unity that comes from singing the carol in multi-lingual situations. I … Continue reading

Posted in Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on Peace from Stress

Introducing the New Testament

I’m reading An Introduction to the New Testamemnt by David A. DeSilva. It’s an important book in the field, and I’m using it to prepare for the good possibility of teaching the Bible on-line through Barclay College. This intro text … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, Mark's Currently Reading | Comments Off on Introducing the New Testament

I Wish You an iChristmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9XNfWNooz4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Posted in Mark's Blog | Comments Off on I Wish You an iChristmas

Finding Grace While Feeling Pain

I just read a great Advent post reminding us to seek freedom for today’s residents of Bethlehem: Palestinians. The devotional on Luke 2:1-4 reminded me of the paradox of human sin and God’s grace. Joseph and Mary were forced to … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on Finding Grace While Feeling Pain

A Different View of the Advent Candle

I’m reading some of the entries for the Advent Tour Blog 2010. You can jump (and should jump — its worth it) to December 10’s entry right here. What I heard Jesus saying to me while reading the blog is … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on A Different View of the Advent Candle

Advent Blog

I’ve been looking for a blog that would keep me engaged Biblically with advent, and I found it here. A great blog with a Bible reading and devotional by a different blogger each day of December.

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, My Personal Journey | Comments Off on Advent Blog

Stewardship Conflict

Ken Sande picks up on the word “management” in the phrase Conflict Management and gives it a good Biblical twist. Since stewardship is managing what we control for another’s (God’s) benefit, conflict management is actually conflict stewardship. Imagine how empowered … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Stewardship Conflict

Conflict’s Great Opportunties

In The Peacemaker, Ken Sande points out that when we find ourselves in conflict (a regular human event), we have the opportunity to do three important things. Glorify God by handling conflict his way, not our culture’s way. Serve Others … Continue reading

Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry | Comments Off on Conflict’s Great Opportunties