Searching for Meaning and Purpose...

No, I'm not talking about Darth Vader's change of heart in Return of the Jedi or any other story about someone who turns from their evil to become good. Instead, I'm talking about a verse from Paul's letter to the Romans: And we know that God causes everything to work togethert for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8.28 (NLT) This is often a Christian comfort verse, thrown out without thinking in times of deep sorrow, loss, and pain. At those times, it ain't much comfort and is really just a cop out. However, today I want to look at a story (from our E100 challenge, Day 11; if you don't know it look for the "Essentials" post and hop in) about God doing that very thing. In Genesis 37 we see the story of Joseph. He was his daddy's favorite, as evidenced by verses 3 and 4. He also had dreams that he shared willy-nilly with his brothers (out of pride, arrogance, or innocence I don't...

As we continue the E100 challenge (read yesterday's post to find out what we're talking about and join in!), today I read Genesis 12. Now, this might not seem like a very earth shattering passage, but as everything in the Bible is God writing a love letter to us, it carries some import. As something out of the ordinary in life, it carries even more for us. Abraham is often called the father of faith because of this story, but I think there's a lot more importance than his faith. I mean, faith is great, but we need to see something about that faith. In Genesis 12, here's what happens: 1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed thro...

So, as we begin the Essentials series, I am pausing to consider what is most important. I mean, there are so many things that demand our time, passion, and money. However, the convergence of all three tells us what we worship. So, what are we worshiping? That is the crux of the series: what are we doing with what we believe? What does belief mean in the grand scheme of things? Does it mean Sunday/Wednesday and nothing else? Or is there something essential that we're missing? Week 1 is looking at what is Essential 2: Grow. Week 2 we'll be looking at what is Essential 2: Know followed by week 3 in Essential 2: Show. Each of these weeks is an interactive experience in looking at who we are and who we can (and ought) to be. If you missed week 1 (and you know who you are!), here's a brief synopsis: What is essential for growth in a plant? A baby? An adult? Think about it, because there are certain foundational needs. A plant must have sunlight, carbon, and ox...