The historical background to the speech. Preached in 1630 and also called “A Model of Christian Charity” by Puritan John Winthrop while he was aboard the ship Arbella. This sermon became the standard that the New England colonists placed upon their capital city of Boston. Interesting how things have changed in New England and the USA since. If you are a US citizen, I’d love to know what you think as you read this. Here it is … GOD ALMIGHTY... Read more

In 2013, Brennan Manning transitioned from this earth. You’ll find two of his books on my Best 100 Christian Books Ever Written List. If you don’t have them, you should. I had the privilege of spending time with Manning in 2007. We both spoke at a conference along with N.T. Wright. In one of the sessions, we all spent time in a living room together. I had time to talk with Manning one-on-one and I asked him a few questions... Read more

So I’ve been writing some pretty heavy blog posts over the last year. Therefore, it’s time for some humor. This one is a classic. The Original: Songified: Read more

Sometime ago, I saw the re-run of Fast & Furious 6. I stunt-doubled in it (for Vin Diesel, of course), but that’s not the reason why I’m writing this post. 🙂 The movie is superb. It also depicts two kinds of kingdoms . . . or churches. One is the kingdom (or church) ruled by “precision” . . . where people are treated as cogs in the system. If they make a mistake, they are disposed of. The other is... Read more

Inspiration and motivation. We all need it. Even for the Christian life. In this podcast episode, I discuss the matter of “spiritual adrenaline.” Enjoy! Read more

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream – and not make dreams... Read more

Isaiah 12:2  “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Matthew 5:9  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for... Read more

A number of years ago I discovered the idea of a Mastermind group, and I have to say, it really resonates. Especially after being involved with quite a few. If this idea is new to you, here’s a description of a Mastermind group. “There is synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that participants bring to a Mastermind Group. The beauty of Mastermind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and... Read more

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not... Read more

Adrian Warnock is asking how we see mental illness and how our faith shapes the way we understand it. But in answer to the question, as a person who believes the Bible, humans are tripartite. We are spirit, soul, and body. The soul makes up mind, will, and emotion. All of these parts are connected. In addition, the brain is an organ just like the thyroid, the heart, and any other organ that can become imbalanced. I also believe in... Read more