I run from God too. When the hard sayings teachings make me wobble, the internal self against the eternal truth should be an easy choice. But it isn’t. Running from truth doesn’t make it any less true. I pack my knapsack and announce that I’m leaving. But it never lasts. Maybe for a couple of hours, or days, or weeks. But before long, the call for home is too loud. Read more
The arrogant presumption that what we know today is the correct view of history, that we are the chosen generation, should give us pause. We shouldn’t believe that we are the people with the absolute moral authority to look at generations past with a righteous judgment. We haven't earned that right. Read more
Now that Easter is over, my mind has been thinking about the days after his Resurrection. What were the interactions like? Did he lay a guilt trip on those who had betrayed Him? To Peter, he simply said, "Feed my sheep." Read more
It’s moments like this when people of faith need to rise to the occasion by falling on our knees. There is no legislation that will stop this. With 300 million guns in American's homes, cars, basements and attics, there is simply no way to seize them without a revolution. We cannot arm enough mental health specialists to eliminate all the would-be killers. We cannot monitor all the conversations or social media and hope to spot a sign and incarcerate them "just in case." Call me "weak," but I'm praying because nothing else seems to be working. Read more
If we don’t begin to embrace Grace, we will devolve into sheer and utter contempt for each other. We are living in a modern society that is at war not against a foreign enemy, but against itself. And every day the narrowness of our opinions grows smaller and our patience with others thins. It’s not looking good for our world. Read more
There is a deep need for voices who can use their words to redeem this culture, to build up others, to edify, and to restore. Our collective calling as followers of Christ is to find ways to heal, to bring together the hurting people. This may be the hardest work of our present-day and I'm praying that an Army of word warriors will rise up and save us. Read more
Instead, live for the dash. These precious moments that God has given you to do something for His glory. We need to begin making a difference in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our workplaces. Read more
A new release by Phil Keaggy and Jeff Johnson is the prescriptive medicine for all of us right now. It reflects sounds of the world at large, yet felt right at home. This collection has creative stylings, especially when Keaggy uses the mandolin, mandocello, and acoustic guitars to mimic Arabic and European styles. The electric Keaggy shows up. Other tracks range from moody to gentle to inspiring. But like a good mosaic, everyone will see and hear these a little differently. Read more
I catch myself looking backward sometimes. Places I’ve lived. People I've known. I remember those days of quiet peace and wonder what would have been. But the virtual dust pushed me West, the harsh winter of life drove me to where I am. And it is here where I prosper, where I find my place again. Read more
Christian, you will be chastised, ostracized, removed. You’ll be an outsider, a nobody, a misfit, a lackey. You’ll be the last one picked, the first one thrown out. You’ll be mocked. You’ll be pigeon-holed and misunderstood. This is the way of the cross. There is no other way. For centuries, God’s faithful believers have lived through despots, knaves, and fools as kings and rulers. The Church has survived tyrants, dictators, and simpletons at the helm. Since we are in the world, but not of it, our purpose transcends politics. That’s the city on a hill we should long for. The Kingdom of God transcends any party, any platform, any body politic. This world is not my home. Read more
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