In the eighties, church job titles were pretty simple. We even had decision cards that you could fill out if you felt “called” to “special service.” You might feel called to be a _____ Pastor _____ Music Minister _____ Youth Minister _____ Minister of Education _____ Foreign Missionary (Check one.) That’s it. Check the nature of…
Category: Blog
I Am in a Hurry
I have more days behind me than I do in front of me so I am in a hurry. I can’t afford to be cynical, satisfied or slow. I don’t want to do anything halfway for You. I don’t want to be pulled away by self interest, pride, or opposition. I don’t have the time to live…
It’s Saturday
It’s Saturday. The tomb is sealed. The guards are in position. The sheep are scattered. The light is gone. There is nothing more than silence on the other end. These are the times when we look back and replay all our errors and missed opportunities. The words we should have said… The swords we should…
It is Friday
Jesus remains on the cross, suffering unimaginable traumas. He is deserted by fearful disciples, surrounded by tormentors, thieves, murderers, and religious provocateurs. Soldiers gaming over the final scant possessions of the Master of creation, ignore the darkening sky. Jesus cries out: “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” On this holy day, God’s…
Some Candidates Remind Me of Church Members
This has been a difficult political season for America to say the least. Campaign presentations are louder, angrier and crazier than this country has ever experienced. However, I hear a faint whisper in my head that says “I’ve seen these people before.” Most pastors have. Who would these candidates resemble if they joined the church?…
He Needs No One’s Permission
God’s standard of acceptance and love is not based on… weight, gender, race, history, genealogy, past achievements, financial status, nationality, location, IQ, mental health, preexisting conditions, athleticism, success in parenting, career, how high you can jump, how far you can run, your speaking ability, your creativity, your mileage, your grace and charm, your ability to…
He Forgives Them All
The tone of religion, more often than not, rings as a dirge of condemnation. We see the old crooked finger of legalism and malicious apologetics steadily pointing into the mass of stumbling sinners, almost relishing the chance to find a scapegoat for the brokenness of the world. But as we look at the cross and…
Fear of Aunts
As a child, I grew up as a concrete thinker. Honestly, most of us were. That’s just a fact about kids. They think concretely and are unable to process the subtle imagery adults use. I remember I had a deep fear of my aunt who told me that I was so cute she could just…
Grace and Recompense
This Fire of Love unquenched by Eden’s wreck and flowing seemingly in perpetuity toward all that soon will be in all its violent beauty He shall hold all hell’s poison and heaven’s glory. Small beginning, love’s grandest story from the heartbeat in a virgin’s womb til one Sunday rising from the tomb One for all……
40 Things to Pray when Your child is Heading Back to School
Father God, would you…. Strengthen my kids’ resolve to follow You. Protect them from worldviews that will challenge their faith. Allow my children to be influenced by godly men and women within our school. Protect my student from bullies and others that would shame and destroy self-confidence and joy. Make my child bold and…