Preaching through Philippians

For a while now at Palo Verde we have been working our way through Paul's letter to the Philippians. It has been an exhilarating journey for me and my prayer is that it has been a blessing for those who have accompanied me. Philippians with its delicate interplay of joy, suffering and unity within the colony of God makes it a wonderful resource for addressing contemporary Christians within a postmodern sea. A practice I have had with Philippians...

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The Last Word: Grace for a Sinful People, Amos 9.11-15

This is my final installment of a series of ruminations on the prophet Amos. What a challenge he has been to me. My cage has not only been rattled but it has been put through the wringer ... Previous reflections areAmos at a Glance: Redefining RighteousnessAmos: The Crimes of NationsAmos: Judgment on the Church's SinAmos: The Tragedy of Complacency, 6.1-7Beginnings ...For nine chapters Amos has put God's People under the microscope. He has proclaimed divine judgment for sin/crimes committed during periods of war. He has called them out for failing...

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Grace THROUGH Communion ... Mediation on Dining with the Savior

As I reflected on the awesome privilege of gathering with the brothers and sisters at PaLO VErde around the family table today some things came to my mind. What rich, what incredible grace we experience through communion. Let me share a few things I have thought about today. This is not a complete theology (many dimensions not touched on) of the Supper but just some things that came to mind after Mike led our thoughts today. So here are a few...

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Bill Hybels & Bono 1

If you are over the age of 50 the name "Bono" or "U2" may have no meaning to you at all. But I am fairly sure that those who are younger than 45 and came of "age" in the 1980s, 1990s and beyond then these names are known better than the Vice President, Speaker of the House and a host of other lights. I have loved U2 since I became aware of them when "Joshua Tree" came out. I neither understood nor appreciated the depth of meaning in the music then. But I do now. Bono is a gadfly. He makes some Christians squirm and others want to praise God....

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Amos Redefines 'Righteousness': The Tragedy of Complacancy, 6.1-7

This post continues my series on the Prophet Amos and his mission to redefine "righteousness" as many of the fervently religious ancient Israelites (and contemporary Christians) practice it. The previous posts are:Amos Redefines Righteousness: Amos at a GlanceAmos: The Crimes of Nations, 1.1-2.5Amos Continues to Redefine Righteousness: Judgment on the Church's SinAmos 6 ... A Rumination "What then is permanent? What do I have that is mine forever? Of what can it be said, this will not be lost or taken away? May answer is: the promise of god to...

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The Hairbrush Song

I thought of this song today ... I love it ...

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Valentine Happenings ... Marriage; Travel; Pepperdine; Iron Man

Wow! Lots has happened since last time I wrote on this blog...Well probably the most important, and the most significant, happening that is that Bobby Valentine and Tifani Napier have officially become Mr & Mrs Valentine. We were married in a very small private "ceremony" at Magnolia Church of Christ Tuesday, April 27 by Joe VanDyke. We have been carrying on our long distance relationship for over a year now. LOOOOONG phone conversations. Criss-crossing...

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