A Word about the Word
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]
Confession is healthy. And guilt is rather tricky. Sometimes we feel guilty when we shouldn’t. And other times we don’t feel guilty at all and we really should. Our hearts are rather fickle, aren’t they? I read somewhere that “the heart is deceitful above all things” (thanks, Jeremiah). That is why real confession is so important. The original word confessused in the verse above means “to say the same thing” (i.e., that God and his Word say about my sin). And when we do speak aloud to our Father about our dark secrets and ugly deeds, we can then also again say the same thing he does: “You are forgiven.”
Close to Home
Among the things I/we are praying about as we look to autumn ministries at Trinity:
• A partner to help co-lead our future cancer care support ministry
• Several hard workers with hearts of gold to teach our kids so that we may offer children’s classes during both worship hours
• Ministry partners who have a strong desire to reach people and can assist with Alpha (learn more here)
The World as It Is
July 7 was President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s 75th wedding anniversary! Married longer than any other presidential couple in history. What’s their secret? “Daily reconciliation and communication between two spouses.” Sounds like good advice, Mr. President.
Check out one of the smartest things I’ve recently read by one the smartest and most spiritual leaders I know. Tim Keller describes how social media is not only extremely polarizing but is also a platform that is no longer just for the sharing of ideas but for creating and polishing one’s identity. I am grateful for Keller’s thoughtful exposing of this reality-distorting medium that leaves the moderate out.
Crowded London-town: The great capital of England this week is hosting both the Euro-Cup Finals (Go Italy!) [Editor’s Note: No, go England!] and Wimbledon (C’mon, Matteo!) No more room on those cool double decker busses.
#CultureNerd
In October Sue and I will experience “Immersive van Gogh,” an interactive art exhibition. The exhibit is comprised of digital projections of many of van Gogh’s paintings. I’ve always been a fan of so much of his work, not just his “Starry Night.” “Most people find too little beautiful,” wrote van Gogh to his brother. Yet he found beauty all around him and painted it—flowers, wheat fields, small towns, even his own bedroom. From what I understand, the exhibit takes the natural elements in van Gogh’s paintings and makes them interactive (e.g., stars twinkle in “The Starry Night,” petals fall off branches in his “Almond Blossoms” painting, etc.). We thought it was worth a shot.
I’ll catch you on the other side.
