Lord, may we not be like the Bethlehem visitors, so busy with the day-to-day tasks that we fail to notice the presence of God. Lord, may we not be like the inn keeper, giving the best rooms to mortals and giving God our stable. Lord, may we not be like Herod, shedding the blood of the innocence…
Before I meet Bart Wrinkle
when it’s all said and done here. look me up. I’ll be kicking back, slinging jawbones with samson who made it in the door by the grace of God same as noah found grace discovered it (he happened upon it or rather it happened upon him) i’ll be listening to stories of limping jacob and…
I Run to You
I run to You like streams that are drawn into the sea, like a fire to kindled tree, like a child to dreams. like time to eternity my one and only destiny You are full. Fill me. I don’t want to be more me. I want to be new. No me. All You. I want…
He’s the Greatest and He is with Us
The truth that we are deeply flawed humans is supremely overshadowed by the truth that we have a triumphant Savior and He has a plan. His presence and our acknowledgment and devotion to Him equips us to overcome every challenge we face as believers. As stumbling creatures, we own nothing more empowering than this strong,…
50 Ways to Love Your Pastor
(With apologies to Paul Simon) “The problem is all inside your head” he said to me. The deacon in my life group who thought so logically I’d like to help you to help him, supportively. There must be 50 ways to love your pastor! 1. Shake his hand, Fran. 2. Tell him you loved his…
An Awkward Rite of Passage
Every stage of life has its milestones and ceremonial rites. At 20, it’s a party surrounded by eligible bachelorettes. Turning 30, it’s a birthday lunch with business associates and a rare evening out without changing a diaper. At 40, it’s a surprise birthday party orchestrated by your kids. In your 50s, it’s “Strap on this…
The Peculiar Relationship of C.S. Lewis and Ms. Moore
One of the most peculiar backstories of writer and theologian C.S. Lewis is the unusual 30 year motherly relationship he had with Mrs. Janie Moore. When C.S. Lewis served in World War I, he fought alongside Paddy Moore. Lewis returned wounded and Paddy was killed in action. While in the hospital recovering, C.S. Lewis notified…
See it and Weep
Nehemiah heard the news of Jerusalem. Wars, disaster, fires made the city a disaster. The people in the city were in real and daily danger. The news struck him to the core of his soul and he mourned. When is the last time you’ve been wrecked by the state of your world? Have you felt…
5 Ways to Avoid Becoming Overwhelmed
It had been an especially difficult year for our church. A number of key long-standing members abruptly left our church in protest to the changes we had incorporated in our schedule in the hopes of reaching new people. At our monthly leadership meeting, we were discussing the issue when Carl stood up, grabbed his coat…
The Gift of Hiddenness
One of the greatest, most unappreciated gifts God gives us is hiddenness. Few even recognize it as an actual word. But it’s desperately needed in the evangelical lexicon. Everything in our culture works feverishly against it. So many, (including myself) have felt unseen without truly enjoying the power of this great gift. But it is…