JONATHAN C DOW

The Director's Commentary

Some thoughts when you are dogged by the "Why?" question.

Taking advantage of one of those $5 DVD bins at a department store, I recently picked up a movie I had been wanting to watch. After viewing the film, I began to explore the menu and the Special Features. There were numerous choices: Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, “The making of...” documentary, and Interviews with the Actors. . . .

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June 23, 2019

The Closure of No Closure

One recent Sunday, our pastor preached from Deuteronomy 34. Preparing us for impending pastoral change, he invited us to embrace the journey to the Promised Land knowing that God's unwavering faithfulness will carry us through the pervasive uncertainty of leadership transition. As he read the passage, my heart became snagged . . .

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July 07, 2018

Upset and Troubled

"Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things" (Luke 10:41 NASB).

The One who spoke those words so long ago gently reiterated them to me as I drove to work one recent morning. Agitated (and perturbed for feeling so irritated), I clung white-knuckled to the steering wheel, lost in an inarticulate yet . . .

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February 06, 2018

Go Ahead, 'Bother' the Teacher

A Not-So-Tongue-in-Cheek Invitation

“Don’t bother the teacher any longer.” That was the rebuke that derailed my focus from the sermon one recent Sunday morning. Abandoning the preacher's train of thought (sorry, pastor), I lingered in that Luke 8 passage, trying to understand the context for such a harsh statement.  

Jesus, returning to the shore . . .

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June 05, 2017

Three Minute Miracle... or Maybe Not

On a recent stroll through the aisles of a discount department store, I came across a large endcap displaying a product called “3 Minute Miracle.” I chuckled, admiring the ample supply of divine favor in shiny-golden tubes at never-before-seen prices.

Further reflection, however, brought an unexpected weightiness as I thought . . .

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May 25, 2017

Let Go of the Leash

I loved Sophie. Best.dog.ever.

Adopted from a local humane society at the age of seven, she was the perfect "first dog." She was consistently gentle, loving, loyal, and trusting. In fact, interactions with her prompted numerous blogs about God’s nature towards us.

Eight and a half years later, Sophie passed away . . .

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March 05, 2017

"End of Cycle"

Reflections Inspired by an Old Clothes Dryer

Our 15-year-old dryer has an “End of Cycle” signal. When set to “on,” the dryer emits a piercing, five-second buzz at the completion of the cycle. Let me simply say, when the cycle is over, you know it!

I am mindful, however, that we are not always offered this luxury in life and in ministry. The One who . . .

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January 21, 2017

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