Christian Living

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Martha’s Conversation with her Counselor After “THE INCIDENT”

by Tyler Dirks

Counselor: How are things? Martha: Not great. Counselor: [silent gaze…] Martha: Well, you know how I’ve been really jazzed about Jesus? Counselor: Yes… Martha: Well, I invited Jesus to come have dinner at our house, and I expected my relative(s) to help me serve Jesus. I was humbly and honorably committed to the rigors and […]

How It COULD HAVE Gone

by Tyler Dirks

I am encountering more and more scenarios where someone is told the truth about themselves, and they run away. This is so common that I’m sure you have witnessed this sort of thing. It’s widespread… when people are told the truth about themselves, they claim that they are being mistreated and they cancel the person […]

Carried to heaven in a ‘fiery chariot’ of zeal and violence

by Tyler Dirks

I recently sent the following text message to a world renowned bible teacher in our denomination… How do you interpret Matthew 11:12? “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” Do you take it to mean that ‘Pharisees are trying […]

A Daily Dose of Flannery

by Tyler Dirks

“Until the sun slipped finally behind the tree line, Mrs. Turpin remained there with her gaze bent to them as if she were absorbing some abysmal life-giving knowledge. At last she lifted her head. There was only a purple streak in the sky,cutting through a field of crimson and leading, like an extension of the […]

If People Are All Up In Your Business [Hounding You]…

by Tyler Dirks

“But it does not seem that I can trust anyone,” said Frodo. Sam looked at him unhappily. “It all depends on what you want,” put in Merry. “You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin–to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours–closer than you […]

Paul’s First Taste…

by Tyler Dirks

In Paul’s letter to the Jesus people in Rome he says, “I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Think about this… When, and how, did Paul get his […]

The Law!

by Tyler Dirks

I did not see that coming! ::: In Deuteronomy God is talking about tithing (which is to be expected), and then He says, “Bring your tithe money to the place of God’s choosing, and spend the money on whatever you desire – choice cuts of steak, or succulent lamb shanks, or wine, or strong drink […]

Oyster-Esque

by Tyler Dirks

When you look at Jesus of Nazareth, what do you see? Well, for starters, He’s from Nazareth! Nazareth is nasty. Everyone knows not to buy real estate in Nazareth! You’ll be borrowing at 9.5% with no fixed rate, and you’d be putting down roots in the most dangerous region of the country. And that’s sugar-coating […]

Near The Beginning of “The Great Divorce”

by Tyler Dirks

“Well, I’m damned,” said the Ghost. “I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a fair knockout. It isn’t right, Len, you know. What about poor Jack, eh? You look pretty pleased with yourself, but what I say is, What about poor Jack?” “He is here,” said the other. “You will meet him soon, if you stay.” […]

Toward The End of “The Great Divorce”

by Tyler Dirks

If you’ve never read “The Great Divorce” by CS Lewis, you should! Do it now! Seriously. It’s stupendous. After you read it, give me a call and let’s chat about it. And while you’re reading it, ask yourself, “Which character resembles me?” Here is my favorite scene in the book… I do not know that […]