Justin

I write to myself more than any other audience. The "you" here is me, too; and the "I" speaks as the me I'm aspiring to be. But I hope you [the reader] can put yourself in my shoes in both the "you" and "I". It's not patriotism or radicalization. Not conservatism or liberalism. Not fascism or democracy. Not the 1st Amendment or the 2nd Amendment. None of these explain, dismiss, or resolve the anger many of us are feeling in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination. These are all smoke screens r...

I talk to my wife frequently all day long. I interact with my one-year-old son throughout the day. I go to work and talk with my boss and coworkers routinely to do my job. I rely on electricity, internet access, and water piped into my home to survive and work. If anything happened to any of these people or things, I'd notice immediately. It would be devastating. They're integral to my existence. In the book I'm currently reading, The Scandal of the Kingdom by Dallas Willard, the author comment...

This is a poem I wrote reflecting on the original purpose vs. the present reality of what it means to be truly Human. And in particular, I had these lyrics from How Deep the Father's Love running through my mind: I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. I make no claim to be even a fraction as eloquent as this song's writer nor the many hymnists and psalmists through history. But the image in my head contrastin...

I recently finished studying the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac in Genesis alongside my church's sermon series1. In reflecting on the arc of the story, especially the most well known act of the sacrifice (and rescue) of Isaac in Genesis 22, I was curious about specific names and translations in the story, and found a fascinating linguistic link that reinforces a key theme in the whole story: God is a god who sees. From an abused and downcast Hagar in the wilderness naming Him El Roi ("God ...

This the continuation of the previous posts. I recommend reading Part 1 and Part 2 first. 3. It's not about who deserves it. The destitute, the desperate, and the downtrodden who Christ addresses were assumed by their society to be such because of their sin (John 9:1-3). They were cursed by God, not blessed. As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:1-2) The prosperous, the pio...

This the continuation of the previous post. I recommend reading Part 1 first. 2. It's not a formula for righteousness and reward. The Beatitudes don't seem to follow the formula I've often heard explained: Blessed are the [righteous character trait], for they will [be rewarded after they die]. That's not to say that the former trait is not often associated with right living; nor that the latter outcome does not impart a promise of reward once God's reign is fully realized. But as in the fi...

Blessed are the Trump supporters, for they may yet see the True King. Wait, hear me out. If your reaction to this is, "You're so right! Real Christians know that voting Republican is the only way to preserve a safe, righteous, God-fearing nation" -- take a moment to exhale and patiently read my thoughts here, as I think you may find them both challenging and encouraging. Which is also the case if your reaction to this is, "You couldn't be more wrong! Trump's character and actions are the antith...

Not many of my own words here, but something I thought worth collecting here nonetheless. These are some songs with lyrics that have stuck in my mind over the years. These aren't the full lyrics, but the key excerpt that caught in my head. In every case, the entire song's lyrics are worth the read, and are linked on each title if you've got the time. Many are Christian rock/metal bands that are both lesser known and just a music style I know not everyone loves, but you can still at least appreci...

I grew up believing democracy was a stalwart beacon of hope for a better life. Such as is embodied by the iconic Statue of Liberty. Such as Ronald Reagan quoted on multiple occasions, "a shining city on a hill." I know Reagan malappropriated that quote from Jesus (according to Jesus, the "shining city" is His oppressed yet still joyful disciples who do good so that God is glorified), but even still, the image, the hope, of this dream of democracy and America was etched into my mind from childhoo...

Given the General Election in a week, you likely have your interpretation or assumption about who is the redacted individual. I'm redacting the name not just to be cheeky or attention-grabbing, and not simply to be less contentious, but also to be humble by leaving space to be equally critical of any individual who might gain influence over me or my community and risk bearing out characteristics that are anti-Christian. And even if you're reading this in some months' or years' time, it will like...

I've been reflecting on Jesus' message and tone in the Sermon on the Mount, and in particular his famous "antitheses" in Matthew 5 -- about murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love of enemies. While these are often called antitheses (contrasting statements), they are actually more akin to saying, "you were taught this specific law, and I affirm that law, but I am going to explain to you the truer, deeper application of that law that will allow you to live out loving your neighbor ...