Confession: using a compass is a challenge for me. I wish I could be cool like soldiers in the movies by whipping out the compass, giving it a quick check, and then stuffing in back in my pocket. But, truth be known, I have to stare at the compass for a few minutes, then I …
Category Archives: Christian Living
Holy Wrestlemania!
What are you wrestling with right now? Finances? Relationships? Grief? Loss? Opportunities? Disappointments? In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with God. It’s one of the most mysterious passages in Scripture. In the background, Jacob had another wrestling match taking place. A reunion with his long estranged half-brother Esau was on the horizon. Jacob and Esau had …
Warming the Bench for the Kingdom
In sixth grade, my little league team made it to the state championship game. I played my role on the team very well -I was a bench warmer! Over the course of the season, I had come to embrace my position on the team. I would make sure the cups around the Gatorade were ready …
A Christ-Like Tip
We’ve all been there: It’s been 30 minutes and the food hasn’t arrived and the server hasn’t bothered to refill drinks. You’re stomach is growling when, finally, the food arrives –cold. Even worse, the order is all wrong. By the end of your dining experience, the server has ignored you, neglected you, offended you, and …
Law Sets Prisoners Free
“Law of Liberty.” What an interesting phrase. Notice how it juxtaposes two seemingly opposite ideas: Law and Liberty. Laws limit; Liberty releases. Laws restrict; Liberty unleashes. Laws say “no;” Liberty says “yes.” What an interesting oxymoron. So where does this phrase come from? James 1:25. “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the …
Stairway to Heaven?
In the 4th century, a set of marble stairs known as the Scala Santa were transported from Jerusalem to Rome. What is so special about these steps that someone would go to such trouble? The Scala Santa are the stairs upon which Christ stood before Pilate. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has granted indulgences …
Why Gay Bashing Betrays Christ
I have quite a few friends who are gay. Often, as I scroll through social media, I will stop to read something one of them has posted. I cringe when they re-post and comment on a Christian article condemning homosexuality. My frustration is not over declaring homosexuality is a sin. That is a biblical statement …
Why I Never Scheduled a Revival
As a pastor, church members would occasionally ask, “Why don’t we have revivals?” To which I would sometimes answer, “I don’t know, but I wish God would send one soon –don’t you?” Of course, I knew what they were really asking. “Why don’t we have a series of services set aside each year for preaching …
Why You Must Embrace Your Limits
A friend of mine spent years as a high-school counselor. One day, a senior girl came into her office crying. She told my friend that her mom wouldn’t let her attend the college of her dreams. Even though she had been offered a scholarship for her high GPA and test scores, the remainder of tuition …
When Reading the Bible Isn’t “Safe”
It is exciting to watch my son learn to read. From road signs to menus, magazine ads to library books, Bryce loves to “sound it out” and declare his new knowledge to everyone (mispronunciations and all) However, his learning progress is really keeping me on my toes. In the past, ordering at a restaurant was …