Leonard Sweet, in his book Out of the Question…Into the Mystery, writes, “We know how to save the world. We just don’t realize that we know what we know. The way to save the world is not through more rules to live by, but through right relationships to live for. People are fast losing the […]
Last week when I sat down to write “The Bias Opinion,” I did not know what to write. This week it is different. The writing still comes with pain, but this is pain that grows in my heart. How can I be quiet when the images of children in detention centers keep flashing before my […]
Sometimes when I sit down to write “The Bias Opinion,” I do not know what to write. Even though I have more than my share of opinions, I do not see myself as a writer. So, often times writing comes slowly and with some pain. Not physical pain, but the pain of not being able […]
I have always heard that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Is that the same for the church? Are we, as the church, beyond learning new ways of relating to our communities? Are we too old to share God’s love with one another and with the people around us? I remember a story […]
Over the past two weeks, my wife and her sister have been preparing for an estate sale. They are sifting and sorting through 60+ years of financial records, photographs, keepsakes, furniture, clothes, etc. Since the death of both of her parents, the house is sitting empty, filled with years of memories and stuff. I use […]
What happened to our study on Galatians? Is it over already? I must confess, I miss the daily readings and reflections. Over the past six weeks, I have reflected seriously on my life, my ministry as a leader in the church, and the legacy I am leaving behind. And when I say legacy, I am […]
This past week, I ran across a story I first read over 15 years ago. I remember liking it then, just as I like it now. There is a story of two brothers, John and Joe, who lived on adjoining farms. They worked side-by-side for over 40 years, sharing machinery, trading labor and goods as […]
Some of you are stepping into new appointments in a few weeks. You will transition from one congregation to another, learn the names and lives of another group of Jesus followers, and develop life-long relationships which will bring meaning to your lives. Others of you will return to faith communities where you are investing your […]
Are you participating in Following Jesus Every Day: Galatians – Gospel of Grace daily reading plan? I am. My participation in this study is making a difference in the way I understand the scriptures. I am learning something each day. However, this study has been more formational than informational. The daily pattern of reading, reflecting, […]
Over the past several weeks, I have been reflecting upon several things. From General Conference to Bible study to the Resurrection, I have been asking myself the question, “Is it worth my life?” Without exception, every congregation I visit, whether to worship or to introduce a new pastor, there is a question and conversation about […]