As it turned out, there was more transitional work than I expected and unfortunately, my blogging suffered the most when it came to making needed cuts. However, now that the sermons are largely planned through the end of the year and the classes I am teaching are in order, my schedule is finding a rhythm that allows for more writing. Transitions are not easy, but […]
“What is truth?” Pilate asked Jesus. With the Son of God, the very living embodiment of truth, before him, he chose to enter into a philosophical reflection on the nature of truth. It is a stunning example of missed opportunity. Instead of debating the definition of truth, Pilate could have chosen to drink deeply of it from Jesus Christ. It is clear from the story […]
Nearly every parent has a story of purchasing an expensive gift for their child, only to have them find the box and packaging more fun to play with. It seems easy for children to miss the main point of the gift as they focus on what was meant to be discarded. On one level, this is a great affirmation of child-like creativity, but it also […]
After nearly three weeks, we are beginning to feel settled in our new appointment. Transition between churches and moving to a new community in a new region shake up comfort zones and break most of established routines. These changes can be as simple as whether to call carbonated beverages “pop” or “soda,” or they can be the obstacle of navigating unknown roads to new destinations. […]
Tomorrow is Pentecost. It is also two weeks since I announced to the congregation I serve that a change in pastoral leadership is coming. As you can imagine, accepting the coming change is a difficult thing. Some people are ready to move forward while others are still trying to adjust to the news. For many this time simply feels like chaos, and questions about the […]
Recently, I purchased a set of microfiber cloths. These are the extra-gentle wipes used to clean sensitive surfaces like computer and touch screens. Numerous people kept pointing out that my iPad screen could stand to lose a few fingerprints, so it seemed like a good investment. I wanted to be sure that the ones I purchased had no cleaning products in them, so I checked […]
I have many favorite hymns, but one of them is definitely “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” The hymn always touched me but recently, it became even more meaningful. There is a stanza in this classic hymn that includes the words, “He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free.” I cannot begin to imagine how many times I sang these […]
When I lead mission trips, one of the key tools I take with me are journals. I encourage each member of the team to keep a personal journal where they can write memories and insights then reflect upon them in prayer to see if they can sense the Holy Spirit leading them to a deeper understanding of themselves, of God and of their experience. I […]
What does it take to be happy? Do we find happiness in our circumstances and the things we possess? Is happiness merely the result of our feelings, or is there something unwavering which produces happiness within us? Recently, I sat with another pastor who I just met. We were sharing ministry stories, especially discussing our favorite authors and resources. The conversation moved to our sources […]
Yesterday, our family celebrated with some good friends as they stood before the Lord and said, “Yes,” to each other. It was a wonderful wedding on a beautiful day and we were so thankful to be included with other family and friends to witness and bless their act of holy covenant. While nearly every wedding is special and beautiful, when the couple clearly loves God […]