Ordinary Grace: Finding God in the Everyday

A candid conversation years ago with one raised in an era of segregation and another in the era of apartheid led to a deeplly meaningful bond.  It wouldn't have had that result without God's leading.  

A college classmate had a hard time believing I was a minister.  He wasn't the last person to struggle with seeing a change in the other.  

There are all kinds of things upon which we human build our lives--family or work, sports loyalties or political party.  Jesus reminds us that only one foundation endures.   

It's one of the most difficult conversations, but one of the most essential.  A shared Biblical ancestor reveals why. 

This episode recalls a moment with the podcaster was offended during a worship service. The moment, though, led him to reflect on what Jesus might have meant when he spoke about having a log in ones eye. 

On this Mother's Day, the podcaster shares the memory of the last road trip taken with his mother.  May it inspire you to give thanks anew for the special woman who have shaped your journey.  

A living faith sometimes calls for us to do something that makes us uncomfortable.  This episode reminds us that such a response may well be the very thing Jesus wants us to do. 

Moments of scattering have always been part of the human experience.  This episode reminds us that such dispersion isn't necessarily a bad thing. 

A seminary classmate and a prophet of God demonstrated two very different understanding of the connection between our words and those of God.  

A voice from centuries ago once wrote of a day when everyone is judged with equity.  Clearly, that day has not yet come. 

This episode celebrates the discovery of faith.  May it be so for you, too. 

As we begin Holy Week, this episode reminds us of a moment when Jesus felt abandoned and alone.  We know that feeling, too.   

The world is filled with opportunities to stray from our key values.  This episode reminds us of how choosing integrity is always worth the effort. 

In a world with all kinds of problems we can despair that there is nothing we can do.  This week's episode encourages the listener to start small. 

We live in a world filled to overflowing with words.  This week's podcast reminds us there times when we are silent that can be a gift. 

Being tricked by others is never a fun experience.  Still, a Biblical account and a moment of embarrassment for a college student remind us of how such times are still an opportunity for growth. 

The Revelation of John describes a future day when God is our neighbor.  One doesn't have to look far to realize that day has not yet come.   

A preacher waits for his turn at a carwash. A truck owner takes a long time to clean his vehicle. Guess which one modeled fruits of the Spirit.

A request for bread at midnight.  Help for a lost traveler.  This episode suggests a connection between the two.  

Sadly, there are far too many examples in our world where unity is missing.  This episode celebrates a moment when such a gift shone through beautifully. 

Jesus modeled and taught the wisdom of choosing humility.  It's still the better way.   

For many of us, there are moments when it feels impossible for God to bring about the change we desire.  Perhaps even the idea causes us to laugh.  It's in such times that God has been known to act. 

This episode focuses on the imperfect reality of our human journey.  It also gives thanks to God for that very trait. 

A moment of healing in the first century. An unexpected solo in the 20th.  Both point to the potential blessing in the interruptions of our days.  

This episode includes some data and reflection on the second year of the Ordinary Grace blog that included the adding of this podcast in June. Behind the numbers is a profound sense of gratitude from the podcaster for your part in the journey! 

We are nearing a day when there is often the sharing of stories and gifts.  This episode encourages the listener to consider the narrative behind them both.  Merry Christmas!

Two soon-to-be-mothers in the first century greet each other and share their wonder over what is about to happen.  That encounter offers clues about how you and I can bless others, too.  

The prophet Isaiah spoke of seeing important things that are in plain sight.  This episode encourages us to keep our eyes open that we might discover such things, too.  

The Season of Advent is marked by a time of waiting. Some of us do better than others with that practice. An unnamed man in a parking lot and the preeminent follower of Jesus have a few suggestions.      

In a week that focuses on giving thanks, this episode recalls another moment of human interaction that clearly was orchestrated by God. 

A visit to another congregation at worship gave this podcaster a glimpse of church at its best. It also reflected his own hopes as a new chapter of ministry begins. 

Research shows that much of what someone hears is non-verbal.  That's true in matters of faith, too. 

All Saints Day is the moment when we stop to remember loved ones who are at rest with God.  It is also a time when one naturally ponders what heaven is like.  On that score, opinions vary! 

This week's podcast speaks of something that Christians already have, but a gift not fully realized  Can you guess what it is? 

A Biblical veil. Two unusual names for dogs.  This episode suggests a connection.

A recent vacation sparked a clear connection in the podcaster's mind to some powerful words from Psalm 8.  Hopefully, this episode will cause you to recall moments that evoke awe and wonder in you as well. 

A frightening day from the 1st Century and an embarrassing day from 8th grade combine to underscore our call to speak of God's way boldly.  

We all have times when we forget about things we know to be true.  This week's episode speaks of how one soft-spoken church officer changed the course of a congregation's history with a gentle reminder. 

There can be times when any of us feels as if our efforts make little-to-no-difference.  This week's episode reveals just the opposite.

A last-minute decision to stay for a lecture results in a life-changing outcome. Where is God working through the ordinary events of your day? 

As we conclude our summer-long reflection on desired character traits, we come to accepting responsibility for one's actions. A remorseful brother of long ago points the way.  

On this holiday weekend that celebrates labor in all its forms, we turn to the desired character trait of a good work ethic.  To help our pondering, this episode opens with a memory from “The Happiest Place on Earth."

As our summer-long look at desired character traits nears the end, we focus this week on respect. Scripture and Aretha Franklin point the way.  

This week's episode reflects on persistence as a desired character trait. The conversation gets framed by two stories of events occurring at a place designed for justice.  

In the Pledge of Allegiance, we speak of "liberty and justice for all." In everyday events, though, that promise quickly gets complicated to fulfill.  Even so, it's a goal worth pursing.   

An act of brutality at an Orlando nightclub nine years ago. A sermon a week later that sought to make sense of it on the same day as a baptism. Together they combined for a courageous moment of integrity.  

Our summer-long look at a list of desired character traits brings us this week to the subject of honesty. The call and goal is clear.  Acting upon it, however, can quickly get complicated.  

Most of us have been told at some point along the way that life is not fair.  This week's character trait focuses on how things should be instead.  

In continuing our look a desired character traits, we focus today on empathy, a word not found in the Bible.  Yet despite that textual absence, the attribute is frequently seen in the life and witness of Jesus. This episode focuses on how empathy might grow within our heart.  

In continuing the summer series on desired traits, we focus this week on courage. Two children--one ancient and one from the 21st century--reveal how we can become more brave ourselves.