James 3:13-18 Click here to listen to today’s devotional After the English Civil War of the 17th century, some leaders in the Church of England were tired of the endless theological battles. Some of them became known as Latitudinarians. Their name came because they argued for a little more latitude or room to choose in matters that weren't essential. They believed Christians could disagree on many secondary issues while remaining united in faith. They valued reason, moderation, and charity over the constant conflict that had brought about so much turmoil. While I'm still learning more about their movement, I find myself admiring their desire. The church today still spends a lot of energy arguing about issues that, while important, often turn into a desire to win debates rather than love neighbors. The Latitudinarians remind me that a gentle spirit often bears more witness than a loud opinion. But their movement also had weaknesses. In prioritizing reason and tolerance, they s...
Genesis 29:9-14 Click here to listen to today’s devotional Recently, a Facebook memory popped up and caught my eye. It was of me wearing a hat and jersey representing that NFL team in Dallas. Now, that's not so unusual for people who live in South Texas. But it certainly is for me. So, there must have been something going on. When people surprise you, it's normal to take a second and ask what happened. Why this sudden change? Jacob's name means "heel-grabber," "deceiver," or "supplanter." Up to this point in Genesis, he's lived up to it. He grabbed Esau's heel at birth, grasped his brother's birthright, and schemed his way into Isaac's blessing. Jacob always seemed to be reaching for what isn't his. Then Jacob comes to a well. In Scripture, wells are often places where God changes stories. Abraham's servant found Rebekah at a well. Moses met Zipporah at a well. Wells are often places of encounter, providence, and new beg...