Danny’s Thoughts, Reviews, and Musings

Danny Price 5/15/25 Danny Price 5/15/25

Week #3: The Risk of Redemption

Blog Series Intention Recap

The book of Ruth is a short but powerful narrative that reveals the loyal and redeeming love of God at work in the lives of ordinary people. Through grief, risk, and uncertain futures, God provides a way forward that is both personal and redemptive. This series traces Ruth’s journey from loss to legacy, highlighting how God uses faithfulness, sacrifice, and community to bring about His divine plan. Ruth is more than a love story—it’s a glimpse into how God’s grace quietly transforms lives..

This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Hope at Midnight: When Faith Walks into the Unknown… Naomi plays matchmaker in hopes that Boaz will take Ruth as his wife and thus provide a future for Ruth.Sometimes God will use us to help change the lives of others, and sometimes He will use others to change our lives. In either case, our greatest task is to remain open to what God is doing and then respond with a heart of gratitude.

Why it Matters:

Redemption often requires risk—Ruth’s bold approach showed trust in both God and Boaz.
Boaz’s honorable response models how godly character protects and uplifts.
Naomi’s plan reflects trust in God’s providence, not manipulation.
God often works through human courage and obedience to accomplish divine purposes.

Go Deeper:

Ruth 3:1–4:12

Sometimes redemption requires courage before comfort. Ruth 3 introduces a bold and delicate plan: a Moabite widow lying at the feet of a respected man on the threshing floor. What seems like a risky romance is actually a picture of God’s faithfulness unfolding through human trust, dignity, and covenant love.

A Mother-in-Law’s Plan

Naomi’s journey has already shifted from bitterness to hope. Seeing Boaz’s favor toward Ruth, she recognizes that their redeemer may be standing right in front of them. In Israelite law, a “kinsman redeemer” (go’el) could marry a widow to preserve the family line. Naomi puts this hope into action.

“My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” (Ruth 3:1, ESV)

This is not manipulation—it’s motherly wisdom wrapped in trust. Naomi wants to secure Ruth’s future, and she trusts Boaz to do right.

A Risky Act of Faith

Ruth goes to the threshing floor at night. She uncovers Boaz’s feet and lies down—an act both bold and vulnerable. This was not seduction, but a culturally meaningful sign of a request for covering and protection (see Ezekiel 16:8 for a parallel of covering and covenant).

When Boaz awakens, Ruth makes her intentions clear:

“Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9)

This is not just a proposal—it’s a plea for redemption. She’s asking Boaz to act as the go’el—to cover her, protect her, and continue the family line.

Character Under Pressure

Boaz’s response shows why he is a worthy man. He doesn’t take advantage of Ruth. He doesn’t shame her. Instead, he praises her character:

“You have made this last kindness greater than the first… for you have not gone after young men.” (v. 10)

Boaz recognizes Ruth’s sacrificial love, just as he did in chapter 2. And rather than act impulsively, he chooses to do everything lawfully—even acknowledging there’s another relative who has first rights to redeem.

Boaz’s Integrity

The next morning, Boaz goes straight to the city gate—the place of legal decisions. He meets the nearer redeemer and lays out the situation. That man declines (perhaps due to cost or complications), freeing Boaz to fulfill the role.

In Ruth 4:9–10, Boaz publicly declares:

“You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech… also Ruth the Moabite… I have bought to be my wife.”

This is not just romance. It is legal, public, and covenantal redemption. Boaz restores the family name, protects Ruth, and honors Naomi.

Redemption and Respect

This chapter is about more than love—it’s about godly relationships. Ruth takes a risk in submission. Boaz responds in righteousness. Naomi entrusts her future to God’s providence.

Each person plays their part faithfully, and through their integrity, God’s redemptive plan moves forward.

How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”

Redemption Isn’t Passive

This part of Ruth’s story teaches us that redemption often involves risk, movement, and courage. God honors the faith of those who act in line with His will. Whether we are initiating or responding, God uses our steps to unfold His plan.

Boaz’s redemption of Ruth isn’t just a happy ending—it’s a picture of Christ. Jesus, our ultimate Redeemer, stepped forward publicly to cover us, not with a cloak, but with His own blood. He bore the cost and gave us a name and a future.

When God Asks You to Take a Step

Sometimes, like Ruth, we are called to step forward in trust, even if the road ahead is uncertain. We must place our hope in the character of the one we’re entrusting ourselves to—ultimately, that’s not a Boaz, but the Lord Himself.

Sometimes, like Boaz, we are called to act with integrity and protect those who are vulnerable. Redemption may cost us, but the reward is far greater.

Your Role in Redemption

You may be Naomi—guiding someone toward a better future. You may be Ruth—stepping out with faith when the outcome is unclear. You may be Boaz—called to protect, redeem, and respond with kindness.

Whatever your role, your faithfulness matters. God writes redemption into ordinary lives through open hearts and willing obedience.

Gratitude and Glory

When Ruth returns to Naomi in Ruth 3:18, Naomi says:

“Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”

Faith acts boldly, and then it waits patiently. Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi show us that faith doesn’t mean control. It means moving when God calls—and trusting when we’ve done our part.

Danny Price 5/11/25 Danny Price 5/11/25

Special Edition: A Woman Welcomes the Light (Happy Mother’s Day)

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series invites readers to rediscover the rhythms of Shabbat as Jesus experienced them, revealing how ancient Jewish practices point to the rest, presence, and grace found in Messiah (Jesus). Each post unpacks a traditional element of Shabbat—beginning at sundown, candle lighting, spoken blessings, and shared meals—to show how they deepen our spiritual formation today. By exploring these practices, readers are equipped to follow Yeshua (Jesus) not only in belief but in the sacred rhythms of time, family, and worship.

This page is a post in the series “Dining with Jesus.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into this SpecialWeek:

A Woman Welcomes the Light… In the Jewish tradition, Shabbat begins with a woman lighting the candles—ushering in light, peace, and sacred time. In the gospel story, Mary welcomes the Light of the World into the world. This divine pattern reminds us that Yeshua (Jesus) is still welcomed by faithful people—often through the quiet strength and spiritual leadership of women. Honor the light-bringers in your life. Practice inviting the presence of Jesus into your home through peace, prayer, and intentional rhythms—perhaps even with candlelight.

Why it Matters:

Women light the Shabbat candles, symbolizing the beginning of rest and the presence of peace.
Mary’s “yes” welcomed Yeshua (Jesus), the true Light, into the darkness of the world.
Yeshua (Jesus) honored women as vital participants in His mission and ministry.
Light a candle to mark sacred time and invite the presence of the Light of the World into your home.

Go Deeper:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —Yeshua (Jesus), John 8:12 (ESV)

Every Friday evening in Jewish homes around the world, a woman stands before a flickering flame and says a quiet prayer. She covers her eyes, lights the candles, and whispers the ancient blessing that begins the most sacred time of the week:

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Sabbath candles.

With that gentle flame, Shabbat begins. A holy pause enters the home. The day becomes different. The ordinary is set apart.

This tradition is thousands of years old, and yet it is alive with gospel meaning. In the light of those candles, we see the story of Yeshua (Jesus). And in the woman who lights them, we see the dignity of faith, hospitality, and welcome.

Let’s reflect on the beauty and theology of this tradition—and how it connects us to the Light of the World.

The Flame that Welcomes Shabbat

In Jewish tradition, the woman of the household lights the Shabbat candles. This is not simply a domestic task—it is a theological act. She does not wait until the sun has set. She lights the candles before darkness falls, to ensure the home is ready for rest and worship.

The candle lighting signifies the beginning of sacred time. It separates the ordinary from the holy. It marks the boundary between the frantic pace of the week and the peace of God's rest.

And most significantly: it welcomes light into darkness.

This is not an empty ritual. It is a weekly picture of salvation. The light doesn’t wait for the world to fix itself. It arrives before the darkness takes over.

Just like the gospel.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5 (ESV)

Mary’s “Yes” and the Light of the World

Now consider Mary of Nazareth, a young Jewish woman in a small Galilean village. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, he spoke of a child who would be the Son of the Most High. He would reign forever. And His name would be Yeshua (Jesus).

Mary’s response?

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” —Luke 1:38 (ESV)

In that moment, she welcomed the Light of the World into the darkness of the world.

Mary, like the women who light the Sabbath candles, did not delay. She said yes before she fully understood. She believed before she saw. And in doing so, she became the first to welcome Jesus—not only into her home, but into the world.

Every Shabbat candle is a reflection of this moment.

The light is not only physical—it is spiritual. It is peace in chaos. It is Jesus in the storm. It is the Light of God breaking through the silence.

When a woman lights the candle, she reenacts Mary’s “yes.” She welcomes the presence of God into her space.

Yeshua (Jesus) Honored Women

Yeshua (Jesus) did not enter a world that honored women—but He honored them anyway.

He spoke to women when others shunned them (John 4). He healed them when others ignored them (Luke 13). He welcomed them as disciples and friends (Luke 10:38–42). He allowed them to anoint Him, bless Him, and even support His ministry (Luke 8:1–3).

And when He rose from the dead, the first witnesses were women (Matthew 28:1–10).

In every Gospel account, women were among the first to believe, to serve, and to tell the story.

Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t just tolerate women—He trusted them.

The Shabbat candle tradition is a living picture of this. Every week, as a woman lights the candle and speaks peace over her home, she steps into a long line of faithful women who welcomed God.

This act of lighting a flame is not small. It is sacred.

Light a Candle, Invite His Presence

You may not be Jewish. You may not speak Hebrew. But the invitation still stands:

Light a candle. Welcome the Light. Make space for Yeshua (Jesus).

Let that small flame be a spiritual discipline. A moment of hospitality. A holy interruption.

Here’s how you can begin:

A Simple Shabbat Practice:

Choose a time: Friday evening before sundown.
Light a candle: Any candle will do. What matters is the moment.
Say a prayer: “Lord, as this candle burns, let Your peace fill this home. May Your presence rest here.”
Pause: Sit in the stillness. Let the flame remind you that God is near.

You don’t need to light a perfect candle. You need to light a real one. You don’t need to speak flawless Hebrew. You need to speak from the heart.

This is not legalism—it’s invitation. It’s rhythm. It’s a way of setting your home apart.

How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”

Welcome the Light

In John 8:12, Yeshua (Jesus) declared:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (ESV)

The light still shines.

The darkness still trembles.

And you still have the choice to welcome Him.

This week, don’t wait for Sunday to begin your worship. Let Friday night become holy. Let a candle become your call to peace. Let the presence of Yeshua (Jesus) be invited in—not just to your church, but to your home.

Honor the light-bringers. Welcome the Light. And remember: before the world knew His name, a woman said yes—and everything changed.

Danny Price 5/8/25 Danny Price 5/8/25

Week #2: Kindness in the Fields

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

Unexpected Grace: When Faithfulness Meets Favor… Boaz both celebrates Ruth for her service to Naomi and to the “family” overall, by giving her special security and treatment. God doesn’t always move in the ways we might imagine, but if we are attentive, we’ll find that He does move. We never know when God might return our kindness to others back to us and the form it might take. So, we must make habits of compassion and costly personal generosity and trust that God will provide at just the right time.

Why it Matters:

God’s provision is often found in ordinary places—like a barley field.
Ruth’s character draws the attention and protection of Boaz.
Boaz’s generosity models how to reflect God’s kindness.
We should give generously, trusting God to care for us in His timing.

Go Deeper:

Ruth 2:8–20
The fields of Bethlehem held no guarantees. For a Moabite widow like Ruth, gleaning was risky and exhausting. But her faithfulness to Naomi had already set her apart. As she bends to pick up leftover grain, God is arranging an encounter—one that will remind us that kindness matters, that generosity changes stories, and that God sees.

Gleaning and God’s Law

In ancient Israel, God made special provisions for the poor and foreigner. Leviticus 19:9–10 commanded landowners not to reap to the edges of their fields but to leave gleanings for the marginalized. Ruth enters these fields as both poor and foreign—but she doesn’t enter alone. God’s law has already made space for her. His Word makes a way before His people ever step into the scene.

A Man Named Boaz

Boaz is introduced as “a worthy man” (Ruth 2:1), a term that speaks of wealth, strength, and honor. But he proves even more worthy in character. When Boaz arrives and notices Ruth, his actions go beyond the law. He doesn’t merely permit Ruth to glean; he ensures her safety, speaks with respect, and offers her water and protection.

“Then Boaz said to Ruth, ‘Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field… I have charged the young men not to touch you.’” (Ruth 2:8–9, ESV)

Boaz uses his position not for personal gain but for someone else’s peace.

Ruth’s Reputation of Loyalty

Ruth is stunned by the favor she receives. Her humility and confusion are palpable:

“Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (v. 10)

Boaz’s response is telling: he has heard of all she’s done for Naomi. Ruth’s reputation precedes her. Her loyalty has already made waves.

Kindness has a ripple effect. What she gave in Moab comes back to her in Bethlehem—through the generosity of someone she hadn’t yet met.

Boaz: A Shadow of the Redeemer

In many ways, Boaz foreshadows Jesus. He sees the outsider. He invites her in. He offers protection and provision without requiring merit. He treats her with dignity. Ruth does not need to earn his kindness—she simply needs to be near it.

Boaz’s words to Ruth sound like a blessing but also a prayer:

“The Lord repay you for what you have done… a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (v. 12)

Boaz sees Ruth’s faith. He acknowledges that her real refuge is not his field, but God’s mercy.

The Kindness of the Kingdom

The way Boaz treats Ruth models how God’s people should treat others. He doesn’t take advantage of her vulnerability. He empowers her through respect and generosity. He doesn’t just tolerate her presence—he ensures her well-being.

In an age where kindness is often rare, Ruth 2 calls us back to a different ethic: one of intentional generosity.

God’s Hidden Hand

There is no miracle in this chapter—just a string of small providences. Ruth “happens” to glean in Boaz’s field (v. 3). Boaz “just so happens” to arrive that day. These are not coincidences; they are subtle notes of divine direction.

God may not always move in visible ways, but He always moves.

How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”

The God Who Works Through Kindness

When Ruth returned to Naomi that evening with arms full of grain, she didn’t just bring food. She brought proof that God still sees, still provides, and still uses the faithfulness of His people to bless others.

Our role is not to control the outcome but to offer compassion in the field. When we do, we might just find that our kindness leads to something more than a meal—it leads to a movement of redemption.

Be Generous Without Knowing the Outcome

We often think of generosity in terms of what we can spare. But Boaz shows generosity as investment. He doesn’t know what will come of his kindness—but he gives anyway.

Our kindness today may be part of someone else’s breakthrough tomorrow. We are called to serve without strings, love without expectations, and trust that God will provide.

God’s Economy: Sowing and Reaping

Naomi, once empty, now receives bread and hope through Ruth’s arms. Ruth, once a foreigner, now finds refuge and dignity. Boaz, once just a landowner, becomes part of God’s redemptive line.

In God’s economy, faithful sowing leads to surprising harvests.

Who Can You Be a Boaz To?

Who in your life needs to be noticed, blessed, and protected? Who has quietly served without reward? Who is gathering scraps when they need an invitation to sit at your table?

Boaz used what he had to lift someone up. What has God given you that might be used the same way?

Danny Price 5/4/25 Danny Price 5/4/25

Book of the Month - May 2025

For Such A Time as This

Elliot Cosgrove - ISBN: 978-0063417472 - 2024

Author:

Elliot Cosgrove

Elliot J. Cosgrove, Ph.D., a leading voice of American Jewry, is Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. Ordained in 1999 at the Jewish Theological Seminary, he earned a doctorate at the University of Chicago Divinity School and is a Senior Hartman Rabbinic Fellow.

Rabbi Cosgrove sits on the Chancellor’s Cabinet of the Jewish Theological Seminary. An officer of the New York Board of Rabbis, he serves on the boards of UJA-Federation of New York, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and Hillel at the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Rabbi Cosgrove represented the Jewish community at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum during the visit of Pope Francis to New York in 2015 and was honored to represent American Jewry at the 2024 White House Hanukkah party.

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

A poignant exploration of what it means to be Jewish today, from a leading voice in modern Judaism, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue

For Jews today, the attack on Israel on October 7th has drawn a clear and irreversible demarcation in time. On that day, the Jewish community woke up to an unrecognizable new reality, witnessing the stark rise in antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred, in its wake.

But even in this dark hour, the Jewish community is experiencing something profound and beautiful: a deep, abiding connection to community, culture, and faith. Drawing on the rich trove of Jewish history and tradition, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, one of today’s most influential thought leaders and spiritual guides, helps listeners make sense of this fraught time. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Cosgrove explores the challenging questions embedded in the soul of contemporary Jewry. Where did all this antisemitism come from, and was it always there? How have Israel and Zionism shaped American Judaism, and what ties us and divides us today? How do we practice Judaism and understand our place in a world that has, without fail, in every century, turned against us?

Knitting together storytelling with ancient teachings, Rabbi Cosgrove helps navigate and understand the landscape of this new reality, turning over questions that have no clear or easy answer in the way only a very good rabbi can.

For thousands of years, the Jewish people have wrestled with what it means to be Jewish. In this often divisive era, Rabbi Cosgrove reminds of how we can come together despite—and even because of—our differences. For Such a Time as This is a guide for a new generation that is reconciling the past with the present and facing the unknown future with courage, spirit, and unwavering hope.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

“As a people of Genesis and Exodus, we must stand up and stand tall in defense of our people and never lose sight of the joy and the privilege that comes with being a Jew today. Our Jewishness comes from both the push and the pull. Neither one nor the other but the two together must inform who we are and what we will be in such a time as this.”s

“The murders of that day? One would have been too many. As the Talmud teaches, “Whosoever destroys a single soul, it is as if they have destroyed an entire universe.” The attacks were a vile crime perpetrated against innocents, the very foundations of our faith, and the underlying bond of our common humanity.””

“Esther didn’t choose her moment; it chose her. And when the moment came, she put herself on the line, threw her lot in with her people, and rallied them to action. A heroine for her time. A heroine for our time.”s

“Put simply, to reduce my Jewish identity to fighting antisemitism is a victory I refuse to grant my foe. It was great to be a Jew on October 6, and it is still great to be a Jew today. Not just the push, and not just the pull, but the centripetal momentum of the two together—that is the generative force by which our community will be maintained.”

“We must take our part in the curricular and cultural battles in our institutions of higher learning, and we must take Jewish learning to higher levels. We must celebrate our births, bnei mitzvah, and weddings, reminding one another, our children, and most of all ourselves of who we are. Jews must take agency—and joy—in their Judaism.”

“We have taken our Jewish identity for granted for so long. And now, for the first time in our lives, we have begun to ask, What kind of Jews do we want to be? Where do we turn for guidance in such a time as this?”

Should I read it or skip it?

Toward the end of last year, I took a job with Ariel Ministries. This shift in ministry has caused me to explore genres and pick up books I wouldn’t normally. Recently in an Audible 2 for 1 sale, I found this book and thought I would giver it a listen. Here are my thoughts:

In For Such a Time as This, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove offers a deep reflection on the challenges facing the Jewish community today, especially in the aftermath of the October 7th attack on Israel. With clarity and compassion, Cosgrove examines the rising tide of antisemitism and the deepening divides in both the Jewish and global communities. I knew there is a deep divide between Messianic Judaism (Acceppting Yeshua or Jesus as Messiah) and Judaism (still waiting for Messiah). I did not realize the depth of the divide between Jews who made their way to Israel and the Diaspora Jewry (such as American Jewry).

Drawing on Jewish history and tradition, Cosgrove guides readers through the complex questions of contemporary Jewish identity, the role of Zionism, and the ever-present struggle against hatred. He balances storytelling with profound insights from Jewish teachings, making this book a valuable resource for understanding the Jewish experience in this new, uncertain era. He makes the case for Diaspora Jewry being unsafe in the locations they are but more oblivious to the possibilities because America or wherever has tolerated them - unsafe and unperpared are not the same.

Through his wisdom, Rabbi Cosgrove highlights the enduring strength and unity of the Jewish community, reminding us that, despite our differences, there is power in coming together with courage and faith. For Such a Time as This is both a timely reflection and a hopeful call for future generations to navigate the challenges of the present with unwavering spirit. I think you should give this book a listen.

Danny Price 5/1/25 Danny Price 5/1/25

Week #1: When the Road Seems Empty

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Loyal Love.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

More Than Meets the Grief: Ruth’s Loyalty and God’s Long View… Naomi struggles with her own future and cannot promise anything to either of her daughters-in-law, but God sees more to our situation than we can see for ourselves. God makes no mistakes in the people He surrounds us with as we walk our journey. Like Naomi, we may feel like it would be better for others to go on their way and do something different, but God may intend that we continue to walk with them as He uses them to bless us. Our blessing in this life may turn out to be a blessing for others and finally a blessing to the kingdom.

Why it Matters:

God is at work even when we feel empty and forgotten.
The people we walk with in suffering may be part of our future redemption.
Ruth’s loyalty foreshadows God’s faithful love.
Our choices today can bless future generations beyond our sight.

Go Deeper:

Ruth 1:6–18

Grief can blur our vision. When everything falls apart, we tend to look down—down at our losses, our pain, our dashed hopes. Naomi’s story in Ruth 1 is the story of a woman who believed her life had ended. But the God of Israel writes longer stories than we expect. And sometimes, He uses unexpected people to turn the page.

The Story So Far: Loss Upon Loss

The book of Ruth opens with famine, migration, and death. Naomi and her family leave Bethlehem to survive. But in the land of Moab, her husband and sons die, leaving her with two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.

In Ruth 1:6, Naomi hears that the famine is over in Judah. She prepares to return, broken and bitter. She urges Ruth and Orpah to stay behind. In her mind, there is no future with her. No hope. No children. No home. She believes the emptiness is all there is.

But God has not abandoned her. He is about to bring restoration, beginning with a relationship she doesn’t yet value—her bond with Ruth.

God’s Silent, Sovereign Work

Naomi doesn’t hear a divine voice. There are no angels or miracles. Yet, God is moving. The decision to return to Bethlehem sets in motion the chain of events that will change history. And Ruth, the outsider, becomes God’s agent of loyalty and love.

God often works quietly through providence rather than loudly through spectacle. Like Naomi, we may only see bitterness and loss—but He sees blessing and restoration.

Ruth’s Famous Pledge: Covenant Love

Ruth’s reply in verses 16–17 is a turning point not just in the chapter but in the book:

“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

This is not just affection. This is covenant language. Ruth is binding herself to Naomi with a faithfulness that echoes God’s own covenant with His people. She invokes the name of Israel’s God, adopting Naomi’s faith. Ruth is no longer just a Moabite widow—she becomes a reflection of God’s own chesed, His loyal love.

Naomi’s Eyes Are Still Clouded

Naomi accepts Ruth’s vow but remains unconvinced that good can come. When she returns to Bethlehem, she tells everyone:

“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruth 1:20, ESV)

Her grief defines her. Her identity is consumed by sorrow. She cannot yet see that Ruth’s loyalty is a gift from God, that her story is not over.

But it is. The road that seemed empty is actually full of possibility.

The Theology of Loyal Companionship

This opening chapter teaches us that loyalty is never wasted. Ruth could have stayed in Moab. It would have been safer. But love compelled her forward. Her presence in Naomi’s life is God’s answer to Naomi’s pain, even if Naomi doesn’t yet see it.

God often works this way: through the ordinary, through the loyal, through the overlooked. His providence is woven into human faithfulness.

Who Is Your Ruth?

When we feel broken, we often try to push others away. We think we’re too much of a burden or that it’s better to suffer alone. But God places people around us for a reason. Naomi couldn’t promise Ruth anything, but Ruth still stayed. Why? Because God’s hand was guiding her.

Ask yourself: Who has God placed in your life during your hard season? Who continues to walk with you even when you have nothing to offer?

Who Needs You to Be Ruth?

On the other side, are you being called to walk with someone through their pain? Like Ruth, we may feel unsure about the journey. But God often uses people who show up, stick close, and bring the presence of His love without needing to solve anything.

Foreshadowing Redemption

This chapter ends with a faint glimmer of hope:

“And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.” (Ruth 1:22)

This is not just a time marker. It’s a hint. Harvest is coming. Redemption is coming. Ruth’s loyalty will lead to Boaz, to marriage, to legacy, to King David—and ultimately to Jesus.

The God who works through famine and faithfulness is setting the stage for something no one can imagine yet.

How does this help me understand, “Loyal Love?”

God is not silent in Ruth 1, even though He doesn’t speak. He is present in loyalty. He is present in grief. He is present on the road back to Bethlehem. The story of Ruth begins in sorrow but ends in hope—because God always sees more than we do.

Don’t Dismiss the People God Has Placed with You

Ruth was a surprising companion. Naomi could not imagine she was the key to her restoration. But she was.

You may be tempted to let go of someone or withdraw because of grief, pain, or uncertainty. Don’t. The person walking with you might be God’s gift.

You may also feel like you’re just tagging along in someone else’s story. But in God’s eyes, that companionship may be the central act of faith that shapes generations.

Danny Price 5/1/25 Danny Price 5/1/25

Loyal Love

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Loyal Love.”

Danny Price 4/24/25 Danny Price 4/24/25

Week #4: A New World Coming

Blog Series Intention Recap

The resurrection of Jesus is not only the turning point of history—it is the beginning of a new creation. Through His victory over sin and death, Christ offers us new life now and the hope of a renewed world to come. This series explores how the resurrection transforms our hearts, reshapes our communities, and reorients our hope toward the restoration of all things. As we live into the reality of Easter, we become living signs of the world God is making new.

This post is the main page of the series “New Creation.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

A New World Coming… God’s promise to renew all things is certain. As new creations in Christ, we live with confidence, hope, and purpose. Let your life reflect the hope of God’s future. Live today as someone preparing for eternity.

Why it Matters:

God will make a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21).
The gospel makes us new creations now, not just in the future (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The hope of renewal anchors our endurance and mission in the present.
God’s future world shapes our values, priorities, and relationships now.

Go Deeper:

The resurrection of Jesus is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of everything new.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has always pointed toward full restoration. Sin, death, and decay do not have the final word. God does. And the word He speaks over the end of the Bible—and over the end of all history—is this: “Behold, I am making all things new.”

That promise in Revelation 21 is not wishful thinking. It is the certain future of all who are in Christ. But it's also more than future hope. It is present direction. Because the new creation has already begun in us, we live now in light of what will soon be fully revealed.

A Future Promised: All Things New

Revelation 21:1–5 paints one of the clearest and most comforting pictures in Scripture:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them... and he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (vv. 1, 3, 5, ESV)

This is not annihilation and escape. It’s transformation and arrival. Heaven comes down. The old, broken creation doesn’t get discarded—it gets restored. The resurrection of Jesus was the prototype of what is to come: a new physical life, in a new physical world, free from death, mourning, crying, and pain.

Christians don’t hope for disembodied eternity—we long for resurrection life in a renewed creation. This is the heartbeat of biblical hope: not just life after death, but life after life after death.

This future is not merely encouraging—it is shaping. Because we know the end, we live differently now.

A Present Reality: New Creations Today

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)

This verse is not poetic exaggeration. It is a theological declaration. The new world is already breaking into this one—through you. When you came to Christ, the Spirit began the work of renewal in your heart, your mind, and your life. You are a living preview of God's promised future.

You may not feel new every day. But God’s Word assures you that you are being renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). You are not just forgiven—you are being made new. Not merely rescued from judgment—but re-created for glory.

God’s new creation is not only coming for you—it has begun in you.

A Daily Calling: Living Toward God’s Future

The knowledge of this future changes the way we live in the present. Peter asks in 2 Peter 3:11:

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?” (ESV)

The question is rhetorical but powerful. If everything temporary is fading, then our priorities must shift. What matters now is what will last. That’s why Paul says in Colossians 3:2–4:

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth... When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (ESV)

Hope isn’t passive. It’s active. It doesn’t sit on its hands—it rolls up its sleeves. Christians are not escapists. We are ambassadors. Every time we love sacrificially, live generously, forgive freely, or proclaim the gospel boldly, we are declaring to the world: this isn’t all there is. Something better is coming—and it starts now.

A Missional Identity: Previewing the Kingdom

The world is hungry for hope. People see what is broken, but many can’t imagine what could be healed. The church exists to show them. As new creations, we preview the new creation. Our lives are not meant to mimic the world, but to model God’s future.

This is what Jesus meant when He called us salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt preserves. Light reveals. The resurrection makes us signs of what’s coming—a world ruled by justice, filled with joy, healed from sorrow, and centered on the presence of God.

You don’t need a platform to show this. Just faithfulness. In how you treat people. How you spend money. How you show up when others walk away. The small acts of obedience today speak of the great transformation tomorrow.

As Paul reminds us:

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)

We are not defined by what is passing. We are shaped by what is coming.

How does this help me understand, “A New Creation?”

Start Living the Future Today

The resurrection of Jesus ensures not just that there is life after death, but that there is hope during life. We are not just waiting for a better world—we are already part of it.

This week, consider how you can reflect God's future in your present:

Speak hope when others despair. Be a voice of peace in a fearful world.
Invest in what lasts—people, relationships, gospel mission.
Ask God to renew your imagination. What does it look like to live like a citizen of heaven while still on earth?

Pray this simple prayer each morning:

“Lord Jesus, thank You that the resurrection has begun. Help me live today as part of Your new creation. Use my life to show the world that You are making all things new.”

Because you are. And He is. And a new world is coming.

Danny Price 4/17/25 Danny Price 4/17/25

Week #3: Alive in Christ

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “New Creation.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Alive in Christ… Because of Christ’s resurrection, we walk in newness of life now, even as we await the renewal of all things. Celebrate the risen Christ by living the new life He purchased for you—right now.

Why it Matters:

Christ’s resurrection means sin and death no longer rule over us (Romans 6).
Our new life begins now and leads us toward a restored creation (Isaiah 65).
The resurrection guarantees the coming new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3).
New life today is both a response to grace and a rehearsal for glory.

Go Deeper:

Easter is more than a holiday—it’s the hinge of history. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. And because He lives, we live. This is the heartbeat of the Christian faith. But Easter is not just about a moment in the past. It’s about a new way of living in the present, and a glorious future still to come.

In Romans 6:4, Paul describes the profound implications of Christ’s resurrection:

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (ESV)

The resurrection is not just a theological doctrine—it’s a personal reality. If you are in Christ, then His resurrection is your resurrection. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave now empowers you to live differently. This is not wishful thinking. It is gospel truth.

Let’s explore what it means to walk in newness of life.

Christ’s Resurrection Means Death No Longer Rules Us

Romans 6 explains the believer’s union with Christ in death and resurrection. When Jesus died, our old self died with Him. When He rose, we rose with Him into a new life:

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing... Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” (vv. 6, 8, ESV)

This means we are no longer slaves to sin. Death no longer has the final word. The power of sin has been broken, not because we are strong, but because Christ is victorious.

Think of it this way: before Jesus, we lived in the shadow of death. But now, because of Easter, we live in the light of life. This changes how we speak, how we respond, how we love, and how we hope. The resurrection is not just our rescue—it’s our release into a new kind of life.

New Life Starts Now, Not Later

Too many Christians treat eternal life as something that begins after death. But Scripture teaches that resurrection life begins the moment we are united with Christ. Paul uses the present tense: “we too might walk in newness of life.”

This means the Christian life is not waiting for heaven—it’s walking with Jesus now. You are not merely saved from something (sin and judgment); you are saved for something: a new way of life shaped by grace, holiness, and joy.

Isaiah 65 gives us a poetic vision of what this life will one day look like in fullness:

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17, ESV)

The beauty of this vision is that it doesn’t just describe a distant paradise—it points toward a reality that is already unfolding. Jesus is the beginning of the new creation, and the life He gives you is a first taste of what is coming.

This is why holiness matters. Why forgiveness matters. Why hospitality and peace and joy matter. These are not just religious practices—they are echoes of the world to come.

A New World Is Coming, and We Are Getting Ready

In 2 Peter 3:11–13, the apostle Peter connects the coming new heavens and new earth with the way believers live now:

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness... But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (vv. 11, 13, ESV)

Peter’s logic is clear: if this world is temporary and the next one is eternal, then live today in light of tomorrow. Let your life now reflect the values of the Kingdom that is coming.

The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the renewal of all things. Not just spiritual things, but physical things. Not just human souls, but the whole of creation. The new creation will be a world without suffering, without injustice, without death.

And here’s the miracle: you don’t have to wait for that day to begin living like you belong to it.

Easter People Live Different Lives

The resurrection means we are no longer defined by the world’s expectations. We don’t live by fear. We don’t measure success by status. We don’t find identity in performance. We find life in Christ—and in Him alone.

Walking in newness of life means:

We forgive those who wrong us.
We speak hope instead of despair.
We serve instead of seeking to be served.
We offer peace in a world of conflict.

Resurrection people live with resurrection power. That doesn’t mean we’re perfect, but it means we’re different. We are being renewed from the inside out.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” This inner renewal is evidence that the new creation has already begun. You are not waiting to be made new—you are being made new now.

How does this help me understand, “A New Creation?”

Live Like It’s Easter Every Day

Easter is not the end of our journey or even our year. It’s the beginning of new life. Don’t pack away the resurrection with the decorations. Live in it. Breathe in the truth that Jesus is alive, and that His life is in you.

Here are three ways to practice resurrection life this week:

Start each day in gratitude – Before anything else, thank Jesus that He is alive and that you are alive in Him.
Choose one act of resurrection living – Forgive someone, serve without recognition, give generously, or speak words of life.
Tell someone your story – Share how Jesus is changing your life today. Testify to the resurrection not just with words, but with witness.

And above all, remember this:
You are not just waiting for heaven. Heaven has already come to you in Christ. Live like it.

Danny Price 4/10/25 Danny Price 4/10/25

Week #2: A New Community

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “New Creation.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

The People of the Future… The church is God’s preview of the new creation—a Spirit-filled community living out heaven’s values on earth. Live as part of God’s new humanity by building relationships marked by grace, generosity, and gospel-centered unity.

Why it Matters:

The early church modeled the character of the coming Kingdom (Acts 2).
Christ tore down dividing walls to form a new people (Ephesians 2).
The church embodies God's plan to reconcile all things in Christ.
When the church lives in love and unity, the world sees a foretaste of eternity.

Go Deeper:

The resurrection of Jesus didn’t just create a new kind of individual—it birthed a new kind of community. This people, formed by grace and shaped by the gospel, is the church. Not a social club or a Sunday-only gathering, but the living body of Christ on earth. A colony of heaven planted in a world still aching for renewal.

If week one of this series focused on the individual heart, week two shifts the lens to the corporate body. A renewed heart is never the end goal—God’s vision has always been to form a people for His name. As we await the full arrival of the new creation, the church is meant to be a signpost of that promised future.

The Early Church as a Pattern of the New Creation

Acts 2:42–47 gives us one of the clearest snapshots of the early church:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:42, 44, ESV)

This wasn’t a utopian social experiment. It was the natural overflow of resurrection power. These believers were not following a formula—they were following a risen Lord. And their life together mirrored the values of His Kingdom: devotion to the Word, mutual care, shared meals, and radical generosity.

What does it look like when people live as though Christ is truly King? The church answers that question. When God’s people live in resurrection light, something changes: priorities, relationships, time, resources. It becomes clear to the watching world that another Kingdom is at work.

This is why the church is not an optional side project in God’s plan. It is central. Not a holding tank until heaven, but the inbreaking of heaven itself.

A Community Formed by the Cross

The kind of unity seen in Acts 2 is not natural—it is supernatural. In Ephesians 2:13–22, Paul explains how Jesus creates one new humanity out of divided groups:

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace… that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.” (vv. 13–15, ESV)

The cross doesn’t just reconcile us to God; it reconciles us to each other. Ethnic, cultural, and social divisions are demolished in Christ. He is our peace. He doesn’t just preach peace—He creates it.

This vision was radical in Paul’s day. It still is. In a fractured world of echo chambers, tribal loyalties, and cancel culture, the church is called to be radically different. We are not held together by political views, preferences, or personalities, but by the blood of Christ.

Jesus didn’t die to create a collection of saved individuals. He died to create a family—one new man, one body, one temple, one Spirit. Unity in the church is not just desirable; it is essential to our witness (John 17:21).

The Church as a Foretaste of What’s to Come

When Paul describes the church in Ephesians 2:19–22, he uses temple language:

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (v. 22, ESV)

We are not just a people—together we are a place. A place where heaven touches earth. A temple not made of stone but of saints, where the Spirit dwells.

This means the church is not just a preview of the new creation—it is a participant in it. When we forgive one another, bear burdens, and worship in unity, we are not acting out a play—we are living reality. We are stepping into the world God is making new.

Too often, the church is treated as outdated, irrelevant, or merely institutional. But biblically, the church is the living testimony of God’s future in the present. When we live in light of the resurrection, we show the world that a better world is coming—and that it's already breaking in.

Our Call: To Live Like Citizens of a New World

The challenge is this: will we live as though the resurrection really happened? If we believe Jesus is alive, then we must live like people who belong to Him. That means more than Sunday attendance. It means reorienting our lives around the gospel and one another.

We prioritize relationships over preferences.
We commit to grace when it’s easier to cancel.
We choose sacrifice when the world chases self.
We model reconciliation in a culture of division.

In Philippians 3:20, Paul reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” That heavenly citizenship is not a future status—it is a present identity. We live as ambassadors of the age to come, embedded in this world with the values of the next.

The church is not perfect. We are flawed, frail, and still growing. But we are also forgiven, Spirit-filled, and called. Our unity is our witness. Our love is our apologetic. Our shared life is our mission.

How does this help me understand, “A New Creation?”

Be the Preview

What would happen if your local church truly lived like a resurrection community? What if the world could see the values of Christ in your small group, your leadership team, your hospitality, your forgiveness?

This week, take one simple step toward community:

Invite someone over for a meal.
Serve a church member quietly and generously.
Pray for reconciliation where there’s tension.
Choose love where the world expects self-protection.

Ask God to help you live not only as a new person, but as part of His new people. Because the resurrection isn’t just something we celebrate individually—it’s something we live together.

The world longs for hope. When the church lives as God’s renewed community, it becomes a living preview of the new creation that’s coming. May we be that people.

Danny Price 4/4/25 Danny Price 4/4/25

Book of the Month - April 2025

Gentle and Lowly

Dane Ortlund - ISBN: 978-1-4335-6613-4 - 2020

Author:

Dane Ortlund

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Dane lives with his wife, Stacey, and their five children in Naperville, Illinois.

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

Christians know what Jesus Christ has done—but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This book reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

In the one place in the Bible where the Son of God pulls back the veil and lets us peer way down into the core of who he is…Letting Jesus set the terms, his surprising claim is that he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” - pg. 18

“To speak of God the Father as “the Father of mercies” is to say that he s the one who multiplies compassionate mercies to his needful, wayward, messy, fallen, wandering people.” - pg. 130

“Let Jesus draw you in through the loveliness of his heart. This is a heart that upbraids the impenitent with all the harshness that is appropriate, yet embraces the penitent with more openness than we are able to feel. It is a heart that walks us into the bright meadow of the felt love of God.” - pg. 99

“We err when we draw conclusions about who he (the Father) is subjectively based on what needed to happen objectively.” - pg. 128

Should I read it or skip it?

I was introduced to this book by my college freshman. He was reading it and suggested I check it out. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Books coming from a reformed perspective tend to be more harsh. Totally just my experience. I recognize this could be the people I have been in contact with and not all reformed believers.

Many times in our world we now discussion passion. We talk about heart and who has more of it. We look to the results of a football game and we say they played with “heart.” In this case, Pastor Ortlund spends 23 short chapters building a case about the one time Jesus talks about his heart.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Jesus, Matthew 11:29

Ortlund book explores what this means in multiple ways. He discusses the Trinity and what this means for the heart of the Father and Holy Spirit. He reminds us that Jesus is for us. What more could you need to guide you to read it!

Danny Price 4/3/25 Danny Price 4/3/25

Week #1: A New Heart

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “New Creation.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

It Starts in the Heart… The new creation begins with a new heart, transformed by the Spirit and aligned with the life of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse, soften, and renew your heart so that you can live as a citizen of the world to come.

Why it Matters:

God promises to remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36).
Jesus describes this transformation as being “born again” by the Spirit (John 3).
True change begins inwardly, not through self-effort but divine renewal.
A renewed heart leads to renewed living—a foretaste of the new creation.

Go Deeper:

When God speaks of renewal, He does not start with systems or societies—He starts with hearts. Before the new heaven and new earth descend, God begins His transformative work deep within the human soul. In the language of the prophets, what must change first is not the world around us but the heart within us.

In Ezekiel 36:25–27, the Lord makes a breathtaking promise to His people:

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." (ESV)

This prophetic vision points beyond Israel’s physical restoration to a deeper spiritual reality—a heart surgery only God can perform. The "new heart" is not just metaphorical improvement; it is spiritual resurrection. A heart of stone—cold, unfeeling, resistant—is exchanged for a heart of flesh—responsive, warm, and alive to God. This is the core of God’s new creation project.

The Heart Is the Starting Point of God’s Renewal

Biblically, the heart is not merely emotional—it is the control center of life: the seat of desire, will, and intention. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." To change the heart is to alter the very direction of a person’s existence.

God doesn't ask us to renovate our old hearts. He offers to replace them entirely. Ezekiel's imagery of cleansing water and a new spirit finds its fulfillment in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. When Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, approaches Jesus by night, Jesus tells him:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3, ESV).

Nicodemus is stunned. But Jesus clarifies: the birth He speaks of is not physical—it is spiritual. Being born again is not optional; it is essential. The old self, dead in sin, must be replaced by a new self, alive by the Spirit.

The Spirit of God Causes the Change We Cannot Produce

We live in a culture that prizes self-improvement. Books, strategies, and habits all promise to help us become our best selves. But Scripture declares that only the Spirit of God can make us new. Ezekiel 36 promises not just a new heart but the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—“I will put my Spirit within you.”

Paul echoes this in Titus 3:5:

"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Regeneration is God’s act of re-creating a person from the inside out. We do not cause it; we receive it. Like the wind Jesus describes in John 3:8, the Spirit moves invisibly but powerfully, bringing dead hearts to life.

The human heart can become hard—hardened by sin, bitterness, unbelief, or pride. But God's mercy breaks through. His Spirit doesn’t just modify behavior; He creates new desires, affections, and loyalties. The law, once external, is now written on the heart.

The Fruit of a New Heart Is a New Way of Living

When God gives a new heart, it always leads to a new life. As Ezekiel puts it, “I will cause you to walk in my statutes.” This is not coercion—it is transformation. A new heart doesn’t resist God’s ways but delights in them.

This echoes the Apostle Paul's teaching in Romans 6. Those who are united to Christ in His death and resurrection now walk in "newness of life" (Romans 6:4). The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Spiritual renewal always bears visible fruit—peace where there was once anxiety, love where there was once hatred, obedience where there was once rebellion. The new heart is not merely an internal reality; it spills over into how we speak, serve, and steward our lives.

As the world longs for external renewal—political, economic, environmental—the church must remember: God’s new creation begins inside His people. It is our changed lives, shaped by resurrection power, that point to the greater renewal coming when Christ returns.

Our New Heart Is a Preview of the New World

Easter reminds us that Christ is risen, the firstfruits of the new creation. But the renewal He inaugurated through His resurrection has already begun in every believer. The new heart is a down payment on the new heaven and new earth.

Paul calls believers “new creations” in 2 Corinthians 5:17 not merely as a metaphor but as an identity rooted in reality. We are citizens of a coming Kingdom, and our hearts already beat with its values.

When we forgive, love, and walk humbly with God, we are not escaping the world—we are embodying what the world is becoming. The new creation is not escapism; it is realism. God is making all things new, and He begins with you.

How does this help me understand, “A New Creation?”

Living from the Inside Out

If you want to live as a new creation, don’t start by modifying your behavior—start by surrendering your heart.

The truth of Easter is not merely that Jesus rose from the dead, but that through His resurrection, we too are raised into a new way of life. And that life begins when God gives us a new heart. This is not behavior reform or personality adjustment. It is regeneration—the supernatural, Spirit-empowered miracle of inner resurrection.

Begin by acknowledging the areas of your life where you still feel spiritually numb or resistant—those places where your heart feels more like stone than flesh. Ask God not merely to improve those areas, but to remake them. As Psalm 139:23–24 encourages us:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (ESV)

Invite the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do:

Cleanse you where you’ve been defiled.
Soften you where you’ve grown hard.
Heal you where you’ve been wounded.
Awaken you where you’ve grown sleepy.
Align your desires with Christ’s desires.

Ask yourself: Have I surrendered my heart to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit? Am I trying to change my life without inviting God to change my heart?

This week, pray Ezekiel 36:26 each morning:
“Father, take my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I walk in Your ways today.”

As you pray, remember that the promise of a new heart is not a vague possibility—it is a guaranteed outcome for those who are in Christ. It is God’s delight to fulfill His promise. And it is your joy to walk in it.

The world is watching for signs of something better. May they see it in you. Because the new creation starts not with politics, programs, or power—but with people whose hearts have been made new by the risen Christ.

Danny Price 4/1/25 Danny Price 4/1/25

New Creation

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “New Creation.”

Danny Price 3/27/25 Danny Price 3/27/25

Week #4: From Shame to Freedom: When the Gospel Heals

Blog Series Intention Recap

The gospel is not just the good news that saves us—it’s the good news that shapes us. Many believers stop at justification, forgetting that Jesus invites us into ongoing renewal. Each week, we’ll explore how the gospel breathes new life into our growth, peace, love, healing, and mission. The journey doesn’t end at salvation; it begins there.

This post is the main page of the series “Fresh Air.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Your Past Is Not the End of the Story… Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to restore us. In the story of the sinful woman and Simon the Pharisee, we see how the gospel meets both pride and pain with forgiveness and freedom. Our past doesn’t disqualify us—it becomes the canvas for grace. God’s healing begins when we let His love in. This week, write down one regret or wound you’ve kept hidden. Offer it to Jesus in prayer. Then tell a trusted friend or spiritual mentor what God is doing in you. Freedom begins with honesty.

Why it Matters:

The gospel confronts our past with compassion, not condemnation.
God’s love sees what others shame and still invites us in.
Forgiveness flows from recognizing how much we’ve been forgiven.
Our healing begins when we surrender, not when we pretend.

Go Deeper:

Luke 7:47 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."

The story in Luke 7:36–50 is one of the most striking scenes in Jesus’s ministry. It begins with an invitation to dinner and ends with a declaration of forgiveness.

A Pharisee named Simon invites Jesus to his home, perhaps out of curiosity or duty. While Jesus reclines at the table, a woman known only by her reputation enters. She weeps at His feet, wipes them with her hair, and anoints them with perfume.

Everyone knows who she is. Everyone but Jesus seems uncomfortable.

Grace Interrupts Our Shame

This woman knew what it felt like to be judged. She was likely excluded, gossiped about, and dismissed. But she came anyway. Why? Because she had heard about Jesus—and believed His love was greater than her reputation.

Simon is quick to judge: "If this man were a prophet, he would have known what sort of woman this is" (Luke 7:39). But Jesus turns the tables.

Jesus doesn't shame her. He welcomes her. Her tears are not a scandal; they’re sacred. Her presence is not a threat; it’s a testimony.

The gospel does not deny our sin—it defeats its power. Where shame says, "Stay away," grace says, "Come closer."

The Gospel Makes Room for the Broken

Jesus tells a short parable: two people owed money—one much more than the other. Both were forgiven. Which one loves more? Simon answers correctly: the one who had the greater debt.

Then Jesus turns to the woman and does something extraordinary. He contrasts her love with Simon’s lack. "You gave me no water... no kiss... no oil. But she has not ceased to show love."

The point isn’t to embarrass Simon but to awaken him. Gospel healing is available to all—but only the broken will receive it.

Healing starts with humility.

Forgiveness Awakens Love

Jesus says of the woman, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much" (v. 47). Love is not the payment—it's the proof.

We do not earn God’s forgiveness with emotion or effort. We receive it by faith, and it changes us. Gratitude becomes affection. Forgiveness becomes love.

The woman’s act of devotion flows from a heart that knows mercy. Gospel healing is not just the removal of guilt—it’s the birth of worship.

Psalm 103:12 (ESV): "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."

Healing Begins When We Surrender

Jesus closes the moment with tender clarity: "Your sins are forgiven... Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (vv. 48, 50).

Peace. That’s what she came looking for. And that’s what the gospel gives.

When we surrender our past to Jesus—our wounds, our pride, our guilt—He doesn’t meet us with cold distance. He meets us with healing love.

Real healing doesn’t come from hiding our shame. It comes from placing it at Jesus’s feet.

How does this help me understand, “Fresh Air?”

Let Grace Rewrite Your Story

Every one of us is either Simon or the woman. Either we hide behind pride or we kneel in humility. The gospel invites us out of hiding.

Jesus does not flinch from your past. He knows it all and still offers you freedom.

That’s the power of the gospel. It takes the places of greatest pain and makes them testimonies of grace. The gospel doesn’t deny your story—it redeems it.

This week, let Jesus speak peace over your shame. Let Him rewrite your story.

Luke 7:50 (ESV): "And he said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'"

Danny Price 3/20/25 Danny Price 3/20/25

Week #3: Love Without Limits: Living the Gospel Way

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Fresh Air.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

How to Love the Unlovable Without Losing Yourself… The gospel defines love through the cross: sacrificial, self-giving, and unconditional. While the world offers love that flatters or fails, God offers a love that frees and transforms. Jesus didn’t wait for us to be lovable—He loved us while we were still sinners. Through the gospel, we learn to love in ways that give life without draining it. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone who is hard to love. Instead of avoiding them, pray for them daily this week. Look for one practical way to show them the same kind of love Christ has shown you.

Why it Matters:

God loved us at our worst to show what real love looks like.
The gospel empowers us to love others without conditions.
Sacrificial love is not self-destructive when grounded in grace.
We don’t love to be accepted—we love because we’ve already been accepted.

Go Deeper:

Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

This is the gospel: love before change, love before obedience, love before lovability. God’s love is not reactive. It’s proactive. In a culture where love is often transactional, God gives us a new way.

Real Love Begins at the Cross

In Romans 5:6 (ESV), Paul writes, "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." The timing matters. Christ didn’t wait for strength. He moved in compassion when we were at our weakest.

That’s how God loves. And it’s how we’re called to love.

The gospel doesn’t just save us from sin. It shows us the nature of love. A love that gives before it gets. A love that sacrifices without condition. A love that doesn’t depend on the other person’s behavior to be valid.

This kind of love isn’t cheap—it’s costly. But in the gospel, it’s also sustaining.

Loving Others Like Christ Loved Us

Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12, ESV). That is the measure and the method.

We don’t get to decide who deserves our love. The gospel takes away favoritism and replaces it with faithfulness.

This doesn’t mean enabling sin or tolerating abuse. Boundaries are biblical. But even boundaries can be drawn with grace.

The gospel calls us to love people as they are—without endorsing every action or agreeing with every word. Love is not approval. Love is pursuit.

Love That Doesn’t Burn Out

The love described in the gospel isn’t something we conjure up with willpower. It’s poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:5 (ESV): "God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

We cannot sustain gospel love on our own. That’s why so many people get compassion fatigue. They try to love like Christ without living in Christ.

When we abide in Jesus, He fills us again and again with love that gives without exhausting, serves without resenting, and sacrifices without bitterness.

Love Is the Mark of Gospel Community

1 John 4:7 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God."

When a church truly believes the gospel, love becomes its culture. Not just kindness, but cross-shaped compassion. Not just friendliness, but sacrificial faithfulness.

Gospel love creates safe places for sinners to grow. It welcomes the stranger, bears with the difficult, and serves without expecting applause.

This kind of love cannot be faked. It flows from a deep conviction that we have been loved first and best by God Himself.

How does this help me understand, “Fresh Air?”

We Love Because He Loved First

The world defines love by how it feels. The gospel defines love by what it gives.

If you wait to feel like loving someone, you may never start. But if you remember how Christ loved you, you’ll never run out of reasons.

True love doesn’t ask, "Do they deserve it?" It asks, "What has Christ done for me?"

So let us love with strength, not sentimentality. Let us love with the energy the Spirit provides. Let us love even the unlovable—not because it’s easy, but because it’s gospel.

Love like that changes people. And it changes us too.

1 John 4:19 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us."

That’s the fresh air we breathe.

Danny Price 3/17/25 Danny Price 3/17/25

Special Edition: Gospel Fire: How the Good News Empowered St. Patrick

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Fresh Air.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into the Special Week:

From Captive to Missionary: The Gospel That Carried St. Patrick… St. Patrick’s life was shaped by hardship, but empowered by the gospel. The same good news that rescued him from despair gave him the courage to return to his captors as a bearer of Christ’s love. The gospel doesn’t just save us—it sends us. Patrick’s story reminds us that gospel transformation leads to gospel mission. Think of a place or relationship where fear or pain once held you captive. Ask the Lord how He might be sending you back—not to relive the pain, but to carry His love. Like Patrick, let your past become the field for your mission.

Why it Matters:

The gospel strengthened St. Patrick through both suffering and calling.
God transformed a former slave into a Spirit-led missionary.
Gospel courage is rooted in God’s presence, not personal power.
Patrick’s story invites us to let the gospel send us into hard places with hope.

Go Deeper:

A Slave in a Strange Land

Patrick wasn’t Irish. He was born in Britain in the late 4th century to a Christian family, the son of a deacon. But his early faith was casual, and his heart far from God. At age sixteen, Irish raiders kidnapped him and sold him into slavery in Ireland. For six years, Patrick tended sheep in isolation, fear, and hunger.

It was there, on the hills of a foreign land, that Patrick found the presence of Christ.

He wrote later, "More and more did the love of God, and my fear of Him and faith increase." The gospel took root in him during suffering. He began to pray—constantly. And in time, he encountered God in a way that would change the rest of his life.

Called by the Voice of God

After six years, Patrick had a dream. A voice said, "You are going home. Look, your ship is ready." He escaped captivity, made the treacherous journey home, and reunited with his family. Yet the gospel had done something too deep to ignore. His heart burned for the people who had once enslaved him.

He had another vision—this time of an Irish man calling out: "We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us again."

The gospel that comforted Patrick in captivity now compelled him to return as a missionary. God’s call came not through comfort, but through compassion. Patrick obeyed.

The Gospel That Sends

Patrick was not sent by Rome. He wasn’t formally educated. He was mocked by others for his lack of eloquence. But Patrick had the gospel—and the Spirit of God.

In the years that followed, Patrick baptized thousands. He confronted kings and idol-worship. He wrote prayers, trained leaders, and modeled humility. His mission was not political—it was pastoral. He sought not to control Ireland, but to serve it.

He wrote, "I am a sinner, a simple country person... but I am what I am by the grace of God."

That is gospel clarity: knowing that our identity is not in who we were, or even in what we do—but in Christ.

Gospel Courage in a Hostile World

The Ireland Patrick returned to was dangerous. He faced threats to his life, rejection by local leaders, and the ever-present fear of violence. But his courage came from his conviction that God was with him.

He wrote one of the most famous prayers in Christian history, now called St. Patrick’s Breastplate. It opens with these lines:

"I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation."

Patrick didn’t just believe in the gospel—he breathed it. It shaped how he walked into danger, how he endured rejection, and how he kept returning to the work God gave him.

How does this help me understand, “Fresh Air?”

From the Past to the Present

Patrick’s story is not just a relic of Christian history. It’s a reminder that the gospel is living and active. It moves us to forgive those who’ve hurt us. It calls us into hard places with a message of hope. It turns our captivity into calling.

Patrick once was lost, then found. Once enslaved, then sent. His story is a reflection of the gospel itself—death and resurrection, fear and faith, captivity and calling.

Let us walk in the same pattern.

Like Patrick, may we:

Listen when God speaks
Return to those we once feared
Trust in the presence of the Spirit
Let the gospel reshape our lives into a mission field

Romans 1:16 (ESV) says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."

That same gospel power still works today.

May it renew, revive, and send us—just like it did for St. Patrick.

Danny Price 3/13/25 Danny Price 3/13/25

Week #2: True Peace: What the Gospel Says About Shalom

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Fresh Air.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

Peace Isn’t Quiet: Why the Gospel Leads Us Into the Storm… Jesus offers a kind of peace the world cannot manufacture. His peace doesn’t hide from pain or pretend everything is fine. Instead, gospel peace restores what is broken and equips us to step into chaos with confidence. This kind of peace doesn’t silence trouble—it redeems it. This week, choose one area of conflict in your life and ask Jesus to bring His kind of peace into it. Don’t look for escape. Look for restoration. Be the first to listen, forgive, or step toward healing.

Why it Matters:

Jesus gives peace not as the world gives.
Peace in the gospel is about restoration, not escapism.
God’s peace is active—it equips us to face life, not flee from it.
We are called to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers.

Go Deeper:

John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

These words were spoken by Jesus on the night before His crucifixion. Knowing that He would be betrayed, arrested, tortured, and killed, Jesus turns to comfort His disciples. He doesn’t promise them comfort in the form of avoidance. He doesn’t promise ease or safety. He offers them peace—His peace.

This moment shows us something essential about the gospel: the peace Jesus gives is not defined by the absence of difficulty. It is defined by the presence of God.

Jesus Gives Peace Unlike the World

When people talk about peace today, they often mean a kind of numbness. They want the quiet that comes from being untouched by conflict, untouched by pain, untouched by others. But this is not peace. It’s avoidance. It’s escape.

Jesus explicitly contrasts His peace with the world’s version: "Not as the world gives do I give to you." What kind of peace does the world offer? The world offers distraction. Temporary relief. The illusion of control. But it cannot offer wholeness.

The Hebrew concept of peace—shalom—is much more than calmness. Shalom is about restoration, fullness, completion. It’s about things being made right.

Jesus gives shalom because He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Through the gospel, He restores our relationship with God and sets us on the path to wholeness in every part of life.

Gospel Peace Is Restoration, Not Escape

In John 14:1 (ESV), Jesus says, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." This is not a command to deny reality. It’s an invitation to trust a deeper reality.

In the middle of heartbreak, Jesus reminds His disciples of the Father’s house—many rooms, prepared places, eternal promises. Gospel peace doesn't remove us from pain; it roots us in hope. It sees the brokenness of the world but is not overcome by it.

Jesus doesn’t escape the cross. He walks into it. And from it, resurrection comes. Gospel peace doesn’t run from the hard things—it redeems them.

Colossians 1:20 (ESV) speaks of Jesus reconciling "all things to himself, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." That is costly peace. Restorative peace. Not the world’s kind.

Jesus does not leave His followers defenseless. In John 14:26, He promises the Holy Spirit as our Helper. Gospel peace is not passive—it’s powered by the Spirit.

The Spirit teaches, reminds, comforts, and empowers. We do not walk through storms with empty hands. We walk with God.

God’s peace is not just comfort in crisis; it’s courage to continue. In Philippians 4:6–7, Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Peace that guards us. That holds us. That goes with us. This is gospel peace.

We Are Called to Be Peacemakers, Not Peacekeepers

Jesus blesses the peacemakers in Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Notice the word: peacemakers. Not peacekeepers. Peacekeeping avoids conflict. Peacemaking steps into it for the sake of healing.

To make peace means to work toward restoration where things are broken. In marriages, in friendships, in churches, in communities. Peacemakers speak truth in love. They absorb offense. They forgive. They go first.

The gospel doesn’t just give us peace with God—it teaches us how to extend it to others.

Romans 12:18 (ESV) challenges us: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

This doesn’t mean we will always succeed, but it means we must always try.

How does this help me understand, “Fresh Air?”

Jesus Is Our Peace

When Jesus promises peace in John 14, He’s not offering a product. He’s offering Himself.

Peace is not a mood. It’s not a moment. It’s a person. Ephesians 2:14 (ESV) says, "For he himself is our peace."

He is our peace in the pain. Our peace in the waiting. Our peace in the questions. Through the gospel, we receive not just a future hope but a present companion.

And because He lives, we can live differently.

So let your heart be untroubled—not because life is easy, but because Christ is near. Receive His peace. Carry it with you. And offer it to others.

That’s the fresh air of the gospel: not a breeze that blows our troubles away, but the breath of Christ that strengthens us to walk through them with hope.

Danny Price 3/6/25 Danny Price 3/6/25

Week #1: Still Growing: How Jesus Shows Us the Way

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Fresh Air.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

Why Spiritual Growth Starts with a Question… Jesus did not rush into ministry. He grew, listened, and asked questions. The gospel teaches us that growing in faith is not just about doing big things, but about seeking wisdom in small, consistent ways. If even the Son of God made time to grow, then we must too. Make space this week to listen—to Scripture, to the Spirit, and to wise believers in your community. Growth begins when we humbly ask, seek, and stay present with God.

Why it Matters:

Even Jesus took time to grow spiritually and physically.
The gospel invites us to grow in wisdom through listening and learning.
Growth is a process that happens in community, not isolation.
To grow spiritually, we must intentionally seek God’s wisdom.

Go Deeper:

Luke 2:52 (ESV) says, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." These words may feel small, tucked at the end of a story about a twelve-year-old boy in the temple, but they carry great weight. Jesus did not arrive at adulthood fully formed in every human sense. He grew.

This simple truth shapes the foundation of the gospel's ongoing power in our lives after we are justified. We are saved in a moment, yes—but we are shaped over time. The Good News is not only for the day we believe, but also for every day we walk forward from that moment. The gospel is our fresh air. We need it to live, breathe, and grow.

Jesus Grew On Purpose

The only story from Jesus’ childhood in the Gospels (Luke 2:41–52) reveals a boy who was curious, hungry for knowledge, and obedient to God. When His parents finally found Him after three days of searching, Jesus was in the temple, "sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions" (Luke 2:46).

Jesus did not just teach—He first listened. He did not just know—He asked. The gospel reminds us that even the Son of God chose a path of growth.

Growth is not accidental. It requires intention. It requires us to sit, to stay, to be still long enough to hear God speak. The life of discipleship begins with ears open, not mouths.

Proverbs 4:7 (ESV) tells us, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." Our culture values speaking up, being right, and moving fast. But the gospel draws us in a different direction. It invites us to slow down and listen—to God and to others.

The Gospel Teaches Us to Learn

Discipleship is not just about doing—it’s about becoming. And becoming requires a pattern of learning and unlearning. Jesus spent time in the synagogue not just proclaiming truth but absorbing it, in conversation and community.

When we come to Christ, we are reborn (John 3:3). But as newborns, we are not yet mature. The apostle Peter encourages believers: "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2–3, ESV).

The gospel reminds us we are not finished products. Salvation is the doorway, not the driveway. Through it, we enter a life of learning: not a lonely path of self-discovery but a shared journey of transformation.

Spiritual Growth Happens in Community

Luke 2 shows us that Jesus was part of a larger faith community. He journeyed with His family to Jerusalem, participated in the Feast, and engaged with the temple teachers. The setting of His growth was not isolation, but connection.

The gospel places us into a body. Romans 12:5 (ESV) says, "So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." We grow by being in proximity to others who follow Jesus. We listen, we speak, we confess, we encourage.

Christian growth is never merely personal; it is relational. The more we root ourselves in gospel-centered community, the more we mirror the posture of Jesus—who both learned from and submitted to others.

Seeking Wisdom Is a Gospel Practice

Jesus stayed behind in the temple to seek wisdom. His parents didn’t understand, but He knew He was about His Father's business. The pursuit of wisdom is not rebellion—it’s devotion.

The gospel doesn’t just tell us we are saved; it shows us how to live wisely. Paul prayed that believers would be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9, ESV).

Spiritual maturity doesn’t mean we have all the answers. It means we know where to go with our questions. The gospel trains our hearts to seek God’s wisdom daily, in the Scriptures and among His people.

How does this help me understand, “Fresh Air?”

The Gospel Is Our Growth Guide

The question "Do I need the gospel after justification?" finds its answer in Jesus’ early years. If He grew, so must we. And if He grew by listening, learning, and seeking, we can too.

Justification is the start, not the stop. Through the gospel, we breathe new life every day. We are not only saved—we are sanctified. Not only born again—but being renewed.

Let us return to the gospel each morning, not just as a memory of salvation but as the breath in our lungs and the light on our path. Jesus shows us how.

Danny Price 3/4/25 Danny Price 3/4/25

Book of the Month - March 2025

Code Name: Pale Horse

Scott Payne with Michelle Shepard - ISBN: 978-1668032909 - 2025

Author:

Scott Payne

Scott Payne is a retired FBI Special Agent who spent twenty-eight years in law enforcement investigating cases against drug trafficking organizations, human traffickers, outlaw motorcycle clubs, gangs, public corruption, and domestic terrorists. He was also a SWAT team operator and instructor for firearms, tactics, and undercover operations. He lives in the southeast with his wife, two daughters, and dogs.

Michelle Shephard

Michelle Shephard is an award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker who covered terrorism, national security, and civil rights for two decades as a correspondent with The Toronto Star. Her career has taken her around the world, including multiple reporting trips to Somalia, Yemen, Pakistan, and Guantanamo Bay. She is based in Toronto, where she lives with her photojournalist husband, a dog named Parker, and their cat Deep Throat.

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

For readers of The MAGA Diaries and Hate in the Homeland, an eye-opening and crucial true story of one man risking his life to infiltrate the most dangerous neo-Nazi group in the United States.

When Scott Payne was growing up, he never envisioned a future that included what happened on Halloween night 2019. Out in the woods of Georgia, he tried desperately to save a goat from being sacrificed in a ritual by a group of neo-Nazis without revealing that he was actually an undercover agent.

Now, this retired FBI agent reveals how and why he infiltrated the rapidly growing American Nazi group, The Base. Known as the “Hillbilly Donnie Brasco,” Payne was guided through some of the most terrifying and risky assignments in the FBI’s history by his devotion to his family and his Christian faith.

Timely and unputdownable, Code Name: Pale Horse is an unflinching look at one of biggest threats in national security, as well as an inspiring memoir from an American hero.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

Should I read it or skip it?

Before diving into this review, I must disclose that I know Scott personally. He and his family exemplify integrity and strength, making it an honor to review his work. That said, I read extensively (35 books so far this year), and it’s a rare privilege to evaluate a book by someone I know. You can find my monthly book reviews at http://dannypricetx.me.

In Codename: Pale Horse, Scott and co-author Michelle Shepard deliver a compelling and gripping narrative from the first page. Drawing from Scott’s remarkable career, the story sheds light on the dark and dangerous world of undercover operations. Few people encounter humanity's darkest realities as Scott has, and he shares these experiences with unflinching honesty and refreshing candor, balanced by a sensitivity that makes the stories even more impactful.

The book also reveals the immense personal sacrifices Scott and his family made to protect others. Their courage and unwavering commitment shine through, offering a deeply human dimension to this extraordinary tale.

I appreciated the pacing of this book. Scott's attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative. Readers will gain a new awareness of the threats posed by "acceleration" (as well as an understanding of it) and the hidden world of hate that most of us overlook. This is not just a thriller but also a wake-up call—a book that is as eye-opening as it is engaging.

If you appreciate stories that reveal the unseen battles fought for our safety, Codename: Pale Horse is a must-read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Danny Price 3/1/25 Danny Price 3/1/25

Fresh Air

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Fresh Air”

Danny Price 2/27/25 Danny Price 2/27/25

Week #4: The Power of Collaboration: Building a Church that Works Together

Blog Series Intention Recap

When you ask someone what they think about the church, be prepared for any response. What they say may inspire feelings of anger, sadness, joy, or hope, depending on what they have experienced in their dealings with believers. This five-week series explores five congregational values that should define our relationships with those inside and outside the church. When we fulfill our biblical call to the four C’s—commission, community, commandment, and collaboration—we can be the church that glorifies Jesus.

This post is the main page of the series “Our House.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Collaborative Community: Working Together for the Common Good… In Acts 6:1–7, we see the early church demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing challenges and expanding the reach of the gospel. No one can do it all alone. By working together, the church can serve the needs of the community, build one another up, and effectively spread the message of Christ. Collaboration within the body of Christ strengthens the church and amplifies its impact. Collaboration is key to fulfilling the mission of the church. As we unite our gifts, resources, and efforts, we not only meet the needs of others but also expand the Kingdom of God. This week, let’s reflect on how we can work together more effectively in our local church to serve our community and reach the world for Christ.

Why it Matters:

The Early Church’s Collaborative Spirit: The church faced challenges but responded with unity, collaboration, and a shared focus on mission.
The Necessity of Teamwork: No one person can meet all the needs within the church, and it is through teamwork that the body functions as God intended.
Spiritual Gifts and Service: Each believer has been given unique gifts to serve the body of Christ. By working together, we maximize the impact of those gifts.
Expanding the Kingdom through Collaboration: When the church collaborates effectively, it not only grows internally but also becomes a powerful force for change in the world.

Go Deeper:

One of the greatest challenges in any community is how to meet the needs of its members while staying true to its mission. The church is no different. From the beginning, the early church faced challenges—growing pains, cultural tensions, and logistical issues. Yet, through it all, one thing remained clear: collaboration was essential to fulfilling their mission. In Acts 6:1–7, we see the church’s response to one such challenge: the need for fair distribution of resources. Their solution was not to rely on a few leaders or to isolate themselves; it was to come together, use their collective gifts, and serve the community.

This collaborative approach to ministry is as relevant today as it was then. The church is called to be a community that works together, not just to meet the needs of its members but also to reach the world with the gospel. In this post, we will explore how collaboration is foundational to the mission of the church, how it empowers the body of Christ to function effectively, and how it amplifies the church’s ability to expand God’s Kingdom.

The Early Church’s Collaborative Spirit

In Acts 6:1–7, we read about a challenge the early church faced: the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This issue threatened to divide the church and distract from its mission. The apostles could have handled this problem themselves, but instead, they called the congregation together and chose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the distribution of food. The apostles, then, focused on prayer and the ministry of the Word.

This decision highlights the importance of collaboration in the church. The apostles did not try to do everything themselves, nor did they let the problem go unresolved. Instead, they empowered others to take leadership, trusting that working together would benefit the body of Christ as a whole. Their approach was one of humility and wisdom, recognizing that God had gifted others in the congregation to serve in specific ways.

The early church demonstrated that collaboration is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It acknowledges that no one person can do it all, and it values the contributions of every believer. The result of this collaborative spirit was not only the resolution of the immediate problem but also the continued growth of the church. “The word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem” (Acts 6:7). When the church works together, it flourishes.

The Necessity of Teamwork

One of the most fundamental truths about the body of Christ is that we are not meant to serve in isolation. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the analogy of the human body to describe the church. Just as a body has many parts that work together, so too does the church. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Teamwork is essential for the church to function properly. Each member of the body has a unique role to play, and when we work together, we become stronger and more effective. The church is not just a collection of individuals; it is a unified body, each part contributing to the whole. Just as a hand cannot function without the arm, the church cannot fulfill its mission without the contributions of every member.

In practical terms, this means that no one person should be expected to carry the weight of the church on their own. Pastors, leaders, and volunteers all play vital roles, but it is the collective effort of everyone that makes the church effective. Collaboration ensures that the needs of the community are met and that the mission of the church is fulfilled.

Spiritual Gifts and Service

One of the most important aspects of collaboration in the church is the recognition of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, Paul writes, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

Each believer has been given a unique set of gifts that are meant to be used for the good of the church and the glory of God. These gifts are not for personal gain but for service to others. When believers collaborate by using their gifts together, they create a powerful force for the Kingdom of God.

Collaboration allows us to maximize the impact of these gifts. For example, someone with the gift of teaching may serve in the children’s ministry, while someone with the gift of mercy may minister to those who are sick or struggling. Others with administrative gifts may organize outreach events, and those with leadership gifts may guide teams of volunteers. When all these gifts work together, the church is able to reach and serve more people.

Expanding the Kingdom through Collaboration

The ultimate goal of collaboration in the church is to expand the Kingdom of God. When the church works together, it becomes a powerful witness to the world. In Acts 6, we see that as the church worked together, the word of God continued to spread, and many people came to faith. This is the natural result of a church that collaborates effectively. It not only grows internally but also becomes a beacon of hope to the world around it.

The church is called to make disciples of all nations, and this mission cannot be accomplished without collaboration. Whether it’s through local outreach, global missions, or supporting one another within the church, collaboration expands the reach of the gospel. Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) requires the church to work together in unity and purpose. When the body of Christ collaborates, it becomes a powerful force for change in the world.

How does this help me understand, “Our House?”

The Call to Collaborate

As we reflect on the example of the early church, we are reminded of the power of collaboration. No one person can do it all, and the church is not meant to function as a collection of isolated individuals. When we work together, we reflect the heart of God and fulfill His mission in the world.

This week, take time to reflect on how you can contribute to the collaborative efforts within your church. Are there areas where you can serve and use your gifts for the common good? How can you partner with others to expand the reach of the gospel? The mission of the church is too great for any one person to accomplish alone, but when we work together, the impact is multiplied. Let’s commit to working in unity, using our gifts to serve the body of Christ, and ultimately expanding God’s Kingdom on earth.