The writer of Hebrews penned a passage that long ago became known as the
“faith chapter” or the “hall of faith.” Chapter 11 begins this way: 

Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, the evidence of things not
seen.

Put another way: Faith is the “sureness” of what we hope for…to be certain
of things we cannot see. 

This verse seems to paint a picture of what it is to walk in the dark.
Faith isn’t required in the light of day, when all is visible. Those
“things we cannot see” are not merely out of sight, but rather… Continue reading →

It’s curious to me how many end goals, expected outcomes… or agendas we
attach to caring for someone. 

With sincere hearts we create agendas from a sense of obligation,
responsibility… even calling. We mean well. We feel an obligation to be
helpful. We feel responsible to lead people to hope. We feel called to
rescue and deliver. But too often our agendas for an expected outcome get
in the way of what we’re actually trying to do Continue reading →

It’s curious to me how many end goals, expected outcomes… or agendas we
attach to caring for someone. 

With sincere hearts we create agendas from a sense of obligation,
responsibility… even calling. We mean well. We feel an obligation to be
helpful. We feel responsible to lead people to hope. We feel called to
rescue and deliver. But too often our agendas for an expected outcome get
in the way of what we’re actually trying to do Continue reading →

I often feel like I’m supposed to have the spiritual stuff of life all
figured out. I think I mostly feel that expectation from other people;
after all, I am a clergy-card-carrying pastor. That doesn’t mean every
person expects this of me. I do plenty of projecting onto unsuspecting,
even anonymous, people, assuming I know what they’re thinking. Turns out,
what I do have figured out is that I’m still a work in process. But I
digress. 

I don’t have all the “spiritual” stuff figured out.

* Like, the problem of evil. Why?
* God’s take on the notion of “original sin.”
* Why God heals some people and not others. Or does he?
* Why God protects some people from certain death in the face of danger
and allows others to die. Or does he?
* What it means to be made in God’s image. 

God’s image. There’s a “spiritual stuff” question. You and I…created in
God’s image. Really? Just what might that mean? There are many explanations
about what it means to be image-bearers of almighty God. Among those
explanations are the following… Continue reading →

I often feel like I’m supposed to have the spiritual stuff of life all
figured out. I think I mostly feel that expectation from other people;
after all, I am a clergy-card-carrying pastor. That doesn’t mean every
person expects this of me. I do plenty of projecting onto unsuspecting,
even anonymous, people, assuming I know what they’re thinking. Turns out,
what I do have figured out is that I’m still a work in process. But I
digress. 

I don’t have all the “spiritual” stuff figured out.

* Like, the problem of evil. Why?
* God’s take on the notion of “original sin.”
* Why God heals some people and not others. Or does he?
* Why God protects some people from certain death in the face of danger
and allows others to die. Or does he?
* What it means to be made in God’s image. 

God’s image. There’s a “spiritual stuff” question. You and I…created in
God’s image. Really? Just what might that mean? There are many explanations
about what it means to be image-bearers of almighty God. Among those
explanations are the following… Continue reading →

This past week was a staycation during “spring” break. You know what I
mean. Don’t spend the money you would on a trip away. Lay low. Sleep in.
Get projects done around the yard and house. Watch more TV and movies.
Drink more. Coffee.

I did lay low. I didn’t sleep in – at all. I got some chores done, but no
projects to speak of. Yes, The Voice is headed into final competition and
Designated Survivor still has Keifer Sutherland in the Oval Office. So, I
enjoyed my normal TV viewing with my wife, Laura (and relished lunch with
her nearly every day). And I absolutely drank more coffee. More coffee in
various coffee shops, not just a cup at home. I tried new flavors in new
places with the same special people in my life.

But the week wasn’t about being lazy while taking in abundant portions of
caffeine.

I’ve read… Continue reading →

This past week was a staycation during “spring” break. You know what I
mean. Don’t spend the money you would on a trip away. Lay low. Sleep in.
Get projects done around the yard and house. Watch more TV and movies.
Drink more. Coffee.

I did lay low. I didn’t sleep in – at all. I got some chores done, but no
projects to speak of. Yes, The Voice is headed into final competition and
Designated Survivor still has Keifer Sutherland in the Oval Office. So, I
enjoyed my normal TV viewing with my wife, Laura (and relished lunch with
her nearly every day). And I absolutely drank more coffee. More coffee in
various coffee shops, not just a cup at home. I tried new flavors in new
places with the same special people in my life.

But the week wasn’t about being lazy while taking in abundant portions of
caffeine.

I’ve read… Continue reading →

My wife, Laura, and I shared breakfast at “our” Starbucks this past Friday
just before I headed for the airport. As I kissed her goodbye, I looked
into her stunning eyes and reminded her: “I’m so thankful you’re
here…that you are alive.” She responded with the same heart-felt
expression of gratitude about me. 

And we both knew exactly the journey that led to this depth of thankfulness
we share… Continue reading →

My wife, Laura, and I shared breakfast at “our” Starbucks this past Friday
just before I headed for the airport. As I kissed her goodbye, I looked
into her stunning eyes and reminded her: “I’m so thankful you’re
here…that you are alive.” She responded with the same heart-felt
expression of gratitude about me. 

And we both knew exactly the journey that led to this depth of thankfulness
we share… Continue reading →

A common mantra in the Church about God’s love goes like this: “God loves
you right where you are, but too much to leave you there.” I’ve said it
too. It’s true. 

Sometimes I wonder if our mantra risks communicating an unwillingness to
love people right where they are. 

I talk to others a lot about accepting people right where they are. It’s at
the core of the guest services training I do with churches and
organizations. It’s what I teach. And yet, I’m embarrassed that I am still
learning… Continue reading →