Dan & Jack's Place

02/17/2025

Evening & Morning is a reminder that our value or worth is not found in what we do or accomplish. Instead our value or worth is found in trusting that we are created in the image of God. We are loved by God, we are beautiful in his sight, and at our core, we are very good.

Evening and Morning You tell us the story Not by knowledge, but your breathNot by works, but your rest You lead us to wilderness So we can hear your voice An...

05/17/2024

When God created the heavens and the earth, He called light and order out of darkness and chaos. He formed the sky and the land, the seas and the vegetation. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, and populated the earth with fish, birds, and animals. And finally, He created humanity in His own image, male and female.

And then, on the seventh day, God rested. He blessed this day and made it sacred, for on it He rested from all the work that He had done in creation (Genesis 2:1-3). This act of resting was not from exhaustion, for God does not grow weary (Isaiah 40:28). Rather, it was a purposeful choice to cease from creating to enjoy His creation. It was a moment of reflection, admiration, and satisfaction in all that He had made.

This rhythm of creation and rest is woven into the very fabric of existence. It is a rhythm that reflects in the ebb and flow of the tides, the cycle of the seasons, and the pulse of day and night. And it is a rhythm that is deeply ingrained in humanity.

Like our Creator, we are beings of immense creativity and productivity. We have a God-given desire to create, to bring forth new ideas and to shape the world around us. We create through our work, whether it be through art, music, writing, innovation, or a myriad of other forms of expression. We create through our relationships, building connections and community with those around us. And we create through our very lives, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Yet, just as God rested after His creation, so too are we called to rest. This rest is not a sign of laziness or lack of ambition. Instead, it is a purposeful choice to step back, to reflect, and to recharge. It is a time to admire the fruit of our labor, to find joy and contentment in what has been accomplished, and to connect with our Creator. It is in rest that we remember that our value and worth are not found in our productivity, but in our inherent identity as beloved children of God.

The connection between creating and resting is a sacred one. It is a dance, a give-and-take. It is a reminder that we are created in the image of a God who both creates and rests, and that these rhythms are deeply ingrained in our very being. May we embrace this rhythm, creating with passion and purpose, and resting with intention and joy. For it is in this dance of creation and rest that we truly come alive and reflect the glory of our Creator.

creating space

04/17/2024

Jesus and the Good Eye
by Daniel Haynes

In Jewish tradition, the concept of the "good eye" (ayin tovah) is deeply embedded in every aspect of life. It refers to a quality of kindness, generosity, and compassion that one directs towards others.

Jesus, in his teachings and example, embodied the "good eye".

One of the most striking illustrations of Jesus' "good eye" is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, a man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. The religious leaders of the day, the priest and the Levite, pass by without offering help. It is the Samaritan, a racial and religious outsider, who shows the "good eye" by compassionately caring for the injured man, paying for his medical needs, and ensuring his well-being. Through this parable, Jesus challenges his listeners to overcome prejudice and extend mercy, just as the Samaritan did.

Jesus also exemplified the "good eye" in his interactions with those considered socially marginalized. He ate and drank with sinners, tax collectors, and outcasts, demonstrating a compassionate inclusivity that broke down the barriers of exclusion. He healed the sick and raised the dead, offering hope and restoration to those society often overlooked. In these actions, Jesus shows the "good eye" by seeing and valuing the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their status or circumstances.

The "good eye" is also reflected in Jesus' teachings about love, forgiveness, and humility. He commanded his followers to love their enemies, forgive those who wronged them, and humble themselves before God and others. These instructions call for a generous, compassionate perspective that mirrors the "good eye." By living out these teachings, Jesus invites his disciples to cultivate the "good eye" in their own lives.

In the Good News according to Matthew, Jesus warns against the "evil eye" (ayin ra’ah), the tendency to envy, criticize, or harm others out of a desire for their downfall. The "good eye," in contrast, actively seeks the well-being and success of others. Jesus' life and ministry serve as a powerful example of the "good eye." He gave his life for the salvation of others, even those who were his enemies. He prayed for those who persecuted him, demonstrating a selfless love and compassion that transcends petty rivalries and competition.

The "good eye" is a foundational principle in Jesus' teachings and example. It calls those who seek to follow Him to see others with kindness, include those who are excluded, extend mercy, practice love and forgiveness, and actively seek the well-being of all people. By embracing the "good eye," we follow in the footsteps of Jesus and embody his compassionate heart in our lives.

03/31/2024

Isaiah 12 | Jackie Haynes

03/25/2024

Evening and Morning

03/17/2024

Hurt (cover by Jackie Haynes)

03/15/2024

The Rabbi's Greatest Hits

03/14/2024

Something in the Orange (cover by Jackie Haynes)