#ourCOG Sinners Anonymous: Less Church, More Recovery
https://ourcog.org/sinners-anonymous-less-church-more-recovery-3/

Noah and I were supposed to be playing outside but he hit me with a rock (in his defense, I threw his Chewbacca in a mud puddle). I went into the nondescript yellow building to look for his mom and walked into a room full of people sitting in a large circle.

I had inadvertently stumbled into a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. And although I was only nine and couldn’t fathom the complexities of the group, I knew something significant was happening. I quietly sat in the back of the room.

I couldn’t see the guy talking, but could hear him using the kind of language that would have gotten me grounded for a month. As he talked, cr Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: Less Church, More Recovery #ourCOG

#ourCOG Jesus Broke Into The World Of Sinners. Will You?
https://ourcog.org/jesus-broke-into-the-world-of-sinners-will-you/

Technology is always changing. Technology seems to change faster than we can buy the latest update. We buy the latest computer or smartphone, and before we walk out of the store, the next big thing is being hinted at. The only solace is the fact that you and I, as consumers, understand the new will get old and then the new will replace it once again. We know this will occur over and over.

In Luke 5:27-39 Jesus doesn’t speak of technology. I don’t think He had an iPhone on him, but He does speak of things changing. In fact, He speaks of things changing that will never go back to the way they were. The reality is, it’ Continue reading Jesus Broke Into The World Of Sinners. Will You? #ourCOG

#ourCOG 20 Resolutions I’m Making for the Church (and Myself)
https://ourcog.org/20-resolutions-im-making-for-the-church-and-myself/

Image: Craig Morey

Dear Church,

You and I have had a codependent relationship for a while, but I don’t blame you. I’ve used you to meet my selfish needs just as often as you’ve failed me.

While others may talk about breaking it off with you, I refuse to. Despite the mutually destructive dance we often find ourselves in, I know in my gut that you need me. And as irrational as I occasionally find you, it’s through our relationship that I’ve come to know and love Jesus.

I can’t control your behavior. So I’m going to focus Continue reading 20 Resolutions I’m Making for the Church (and Myself) #ourCOG

#ourCOG 8 Commenters You Meet on Christian Blogs
https://ourcog.org/8-commenters-you-meet-on-christian-blogs/

I have been blogging for a while, and reading blogs even longer. Here are a few of the commenters I regularly see on Christian blogs. How many do you recognize?

Engagers: Most people fall into this category, and these are commenters you want—the crème de la crème. It’s not that they agree with you, they often don’t. But when they disagree, they’re thoughtful and respectful . . . and on topic.

Givers: These are a subset of Engagers who share their personal, and often touching, personal experiences with insightful vulnerability. They’ll often break your heart while adding an important perspe Continue reading 8 Commenters You Meet on Christian Blogs #ourCOG