Tim Kelley

Aging in the Lord

Aging in the Lord

Since the recent Presidential debate, much of our talk has been about age related disabling conditions.  (NOTE:  THIS IS NOT ABOUT PARTISAN POLITICS, so look elsewhere if you’re looking for Trump bashing, Biden bashing, or political prognostication.) What it is about is getting older and dealing with ailments and disabilities that come with it.  Very few of us die in good health, and no one dies because of good health.

A Habakkuk Thanksgiving

A Habakkuk Thanksgiving

What follows is a reflection I wrote in 2018, that is fully applicable today.  As we sadly experienced, 2020 brought additional grief to all of us.  For me, it included the death of my Mother, and our dear brother, Mike Myers.  The years following have been little better. In this year, 2023, my Kelley family suffered the loss of several of my cousins and second cousins.  In the present moment, two wars rage, killing thousands.  Those wars, along with only increasing partisan animosity, have more deeply divided our nation. 

Dynamic Duo

Dynamic Duo

We have looked at individuals mentioned in Acts, such as Paul, Barnabas, and Luke, the author of Acts.  In this blog, I want to highlight a couple, who are always mentioned together.  They are Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2), or at most other times, Priscilla and Aquila, or Prisca and Aquila.  Priscilla is the affectionate diminutive of her proper name, Prisca (Romans 16:3).

A Hero Behind the New Testament

A Hero Behind the New Testament

Acts 11: 22 News of [Greeks responding to the Gospel in Antioch] reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.


Counting the Cost

Counting the Cost

There is a scene in the classic western, “The Magnificent 7,” where Chris, the leader of a small group of men who are good with guns, approaches a character named Harry about joining in an effort to help a small Mexican village defend itself from a large band of bandits.  Harry is convinced, however, that this is just a cover for something bigger, such as gold, cattle, or payroll.  “Only what I told you,” said Chris.  Sure, never mind. Just tell me when you can,” Harry replied.  Exasperated, Chris says, “Harry, please don't understand me so fast!

Carry Your Cross

Carry Your Cross

In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus warns would be followers to consider the implications of following Him to Jerusalem and the crucifixion that awaited.  In last’s week’s blog, we saw that Jesus told the crowd that the call of the Kingdom of God demanded a radical choice of the King and His Kingdom over the closest family relations and duties.  Now, we come to the second, and starkest of the three conditions for following Jesus, carry your cross (daily).