Humble Boldness

I've been reading a really good book lately called "The Land Between."  It tells the story of the Israelites in the desert as they are between Egypt and the promised land.  Over and over again they long to be back in Egypt where they had food and were comfortable, even though they were slaves.  They complain, gripe, and lash out to Moses and God.  But, they are also on a path toward the promised land.  A land flowing with milk and honey and God's blessings.  They are in this strange in between place. I can relate so much to this analogy.  I miss 2019 and life before Covid.  I've complained a lot to God about how my church and job have changed overnight.  I hate social distancing and not being able to see people's faces because of masks.  Church is so different.  And we're not out of the woods yet, we're not through this pandemic thing.  We haven't reached the promised land of the "new normal."  For the Israelites, God used...

    The holidays will be different this year.  Back in March I think many of us were glad that Covid hadn't hit during the winter and during the holidays.  I don't think any of us expected it to go on this long either.  But, here we are.  About to enter the joyous holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's with Covid hanging over our heads.  For many, holidays can be hard by themselves: loss of loved ones the past year, stress of traveling, difficult family dynamics.  And this year we throw on top of all of it the stress of Covid, not being able to be around family, or having to do a zoom get together.  Fun!       As I was reading my Bible this morning I was struck by Paul's prayer in Colossians 1.  I love how Paul prays.  He always challenges my personal prayers for my friends and family.  But it was vv. 11-12 that really struck a chord with me.  Paul prays that the Colossians may be strengthe...