Change is challenging. One year ago, today, we moved into our new home, in a new community, serving a new church. Here were new people to meet, new schedules to learn, and new vision to develop. The routines that brought comfort in our former setting were upended like a child dumping a box of toys on the floor. The change brought some interesting challenges. Much […]
Yesterday, we considered the challenge of overcoming negative sources of spiritual gravity holding us back from living an adventurous life with Jesus. In order to break free from the pull of these strongholds, we must first identify them. While the list could be quite long, here are seven common sources of negative spiritual gravity: 1. Familiarity This is the one, as a pastor, I encounter […]
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 […]
You reap what you sow! It is a biblical truth, and one worth remembering, just not always in a negative way. The context of this quote does speak of mocking God and reminds us to consider that our work will be shown for what it is. This is an important caution, for all of us have times when we are a little “plastic,” trying to […]
Yesterday, I announced that I was being appointed to another church. The congregation I serve did not expect that news and a few weeks ago, neither did I. I already indicated my desire to stay where I was and the church shared their hope that I would remain their pastor. We were comfortable with each other and enjoying ministry together, then God stepped in with […]
Sometimes real beauty can only be discovered by adversity. When we go through the fire, common things are refined into something uncommon. Challenge and pain can uncover hidden virtues, passions, and possibilities. Watching nature transition from the luscious life of summer to the vibrant beauty of autumn, it is hard to miss that a deeper beauty is revealed in the process of letting go. As […]
Writing yesterday’s post was troubling. Not only because the subject matter was painful, but because the issue of hatred and bullying is so overwhelming. I could not help but feel there was more to consider. Whenever one of these tragedies occurs, there is a sudden outburst of emotion by people troubled by horror of what happened, accompanied by reflections on how we can stop or […]
Change is never easy. It can be fun, even worthwhile, but there is always a period of adjustment. The most inspiring possibilities still fail to completely eclipse the twinge of grief we feel toward letting go of the familiar, and touch of fear for what is to come. From the simplest adjustment to the most profound transition, change makes an impact on each of us.At […]
“What can I do?” This is the classic question that arises when we face seasons and situations of great need. The recent effects of the hurricane on the east coast of the United States, have raised this question again for many of us. What can we do that will make a difference in the face of great devastation and suffering? It is not just hurricanes […]