Hello! Those of you who follow my writing regularly know that I don’t usually do a Saturday post, but I wanted to do a bit of an introduction to the Advent series that launches tomorrow. This series is a little different from anything I’ve ever done before, so I wanted to do a set-up beforeContinueContinue reading “Advent Series Introduction”
Author Archives: Shelley Linn Johnson
Embracing Grace: Gratitude
As I outlined this series back in mid-summer, I got to a place in the process where I had a list of all twelve topics, but wrestled with their order. When I paused long enough to see the bigger picture that God was painting, an out-loud “duh!” escaped my lips. Gratitude – the week ofContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Gratitude”
Embracing Grace: Freedom
First century Jews longed for the freedom deliverance would bring. They actively looked for the long-awaited Messiah to arrive – to save them from their oppressors, to free them from all that the Romans held them captive to. Social control. Religious restraints. Political autonomy. And who can blame them? Isn’t that a core longing ofContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Freedom”
Embracing Grace: Weakness
The upside-down ways of God’s kingdom flash brightly in contrast to our world’s obsession with people who are exceptional. In our world where money opens doors, the famous always find the spotlight, and those with extraordinary talents or looks or abilities are very nearly worshiped, strength is elevated. Weakness is looked down upon, ignored, shamed,ContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Weakness”
Embracing Grace: Trust
We’ve begun reading through the Bible together at our church. As we made our way through Exodus, it struck us how impatient and even irritated we could be toward the Israelites as they made their way through the wilderness. Most of us struggled with understanding how a group of people, who are meant to beContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Trust”
Embracing Grace: Seasons
I grew up near the coast of Texas, so my experience of shifting seasons was limited – more of a change in calendar than weather or landscape or apparel. We basically went from hot to really hot to a little cooler. The grass and Live Oak trees stayed green year-round, so I didn’t fully understandContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Seasons”
Embracing Grace: Growth
Weeks ago, I began this series knowing ‘grace’ as God’s unmerited favor that opens the door to a life in Christ by our assent, by our believing – that moment of justification. I also had some understanding of ‘grace’ as our source for growing in our faith. But I must admit that trying to understandContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Growth”
Embracing Grace: Forgiveness
I have loved the disciple Peter for a long time and for so many reasons. His passion. His devotion. His authentic way of engaging with the people around him. His dedication to leadership. His willingness to step out in faith, to speak up when no one else would. We get glimpses of Peter throughout theContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Forgiveness”
Embracing Grace: Hope
Have you ever noticed how despair boxes us in? When we’re struggling with emotions of despondency, our focus narrows until all we see is the problem, the person, the same old pattern over and over again. The sense of being trapped, of feeling unable to change or break free, pushes us toward panic or hopelessContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Hope”
Embracing Grace: Suffering
So many of us hear the word ‘theology’ and respond with glazing eyes – or rising hackles. We think ‘theology’ is only for those religious academics who aren’t afraid to think like philosophers or that ‘theology’ is the weapon of choice for those in spiritual authority over us. As one who has not been trainedContinueContinue reading “Embracing Grace: Suffering”