WWJD? A clever acronym for the question “What would Jesus do?” that suggests that we might possess some insight as to what Jesus would do in a particular circumstance. In asking the question, it allows us to exercise the presumption of settling our posteriors into Christ’s judgment seat and pontificating. The question “What would Jesus …
Author Archives: desertvessel
Go-o-o-o-llee!
Go-o-o-o-llee is probably the first thing that strikes us when we hear the name Gomer. Who could forget the eponymous personification of innocence as portrayed by Jim Nabors. Wide-eyed and amazed at the world around him… He never seemed to lose his innocence. But there is a Gomer we don’t too often think of who …
The Veil was Rent in Twain
When Christ was crucified, we are told in Matthew 27 that the curtain was torn from top to bottom, revealing the Holy of Holies to all those present. What does this mean? It means that the barrier between us and God had been eliminated, as we now had clear and unobstructed access to God through …
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
The Valley of the Shadow of Death – doesn’t sound too appealing. Any savvy real estate developer would change that name in a heartbeat. Perhaps Shady Valley – no, shady suggests dishonesty… Cool Valley – no, cool has too many alternative meanings… Green Valley – no, sounds too eco-progressive and restrictive… Peaceful Valley – that’s …
Stillborn
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – We’ve all heard this gem of ancient Chinese philosophy, but have we taken a moment to consider its meaning? As Christians, we identify with Jesus Christ who told us that He was the Way. The early church, which significantly identified themselves as Followers …
Judgment Day
In the book of John, Chapter 8, we are told the story of a woman caught in the act of adultery who is brought before Jesus: 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman …
Happy Father’s Day!
I suspect that Father’s Day was ultimately a creation of greeting card companies who, having had such great success with Mother’s Day, saw a further opportunity to cash in. Cynicism aside, though, it has always afforded me the opportunity to reflect on the fathers in my life and their contribution, for good or ill, in …
Heads They Win, Tails We Lose
I should be good, I try to be, but then I know I fail For all my efforts, good or bad, the mirror tells the tale My skin is black, no matter what, and so it is I’m fated To be reviled, subservient, and if I disagree I’m hated. But Martin’s dream, that one fine …
I’ll Tell You Later…
When I worked in the California courts we had a much beloved Spanish language interpreter. Her job was to assist Spanish speaking defendants and witnesses in court proceedings so that they could understand what was happening and make an informed response. It was important that this occur in real time, otherwise they were left confused …
Embracing the Uncertainty of Outcomes
Mistakes. We all make them. Truth be told, we tend to excuse our own while condemning others. But, trying to look at mistakes objectively, what should be our reaction? Let’s look at an example of two similar mistakes: Emergency Dispatcher One: Phone call received regarding prowler outside citizen’s house. They dispatch police, but have accidentally …
In a dry and thirsty land 