One problem in Christian community, though certainly there are many others, is the tendency to use “god-talk” in our conversation. God-talk is language that ends honest dialogue. It typically includes the use of scripture in a way that is unchallengeable. It ignores the reality that there are scriptures that are difficult to swallow and much that is hard to …
The Lord is my Shepherd
The circumstances of life can seem random. Sometimes it appears we get exactly what we deserve with the laws of sowing and reaping functioning as advertised. Other times blessings and curses seem to flow indiscriminately. Though beyond my pay grade to understand such things, I believe in a loving Father watching over our lives. As the psalmist declared long ago, …
Today Matters
As you know by now, Billy Graham passed recently. Though Billy lived a long life of ninety-nine years, his passing reminded me once again of life’s brevity. Billy never claimed to place much hope in this life, in its circumstances or successes. Rather, he lived his days in light of eternity. In speaking of eternity, Billy said, “someday you …
New Beginnings
Welcome to 2018. Having completed our annual journey around the sun, we begin again. There is something refreshing about new beginnings; the laying down of the old and embracing the new. January is such a beginning; the year ahead a blank slate waiting to be painted and a new chapter waiting to be written. At home, the Christmas decorations …
Immanuel, God with us
There have been days of darkness and difficulty throughout history. The days preceding the coming of the Messiah were such days. The Roman Empire dominated the world, and similar to the time of Samuel, “in those days, the word of the Lord was rare.” (1 Samuel 3:1). Yet into this darkness and difficulty, Jesus came. He didn’t come unannounced. …
What do you believe about God?
I have read and heard many times that what you believe about God is the most important thing about you. I believe this to be true. So what is it that you believe about God? So much for beating around the bush! When Jesus walked the earth, He declared that He was God’s beloved son, that He had come from …