Achieving racial reconciliation is challenging and seemingly impossible — both in our country and within the church. The stipulations imposed on us because of our differences should not determine how we relate to one another, but sadly, it seems they do. The most recent deaths of Alton Sterling (Baton Rouge, LA) and Philander Castile (St. Anthony, … Continue reading Racial Reconciliation
Over the past few weeks, my heart has been breaking over the tragedies across our country and around the world. Closer to home, I have talked with friends whose lives and families are crumbling. I've got some fears and some doubts about things swirling around me, as well. We know that God is sovereign, but things, people, … Continue reading God keeps His promises
"This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.” — Aslan in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" Chapter 16 The Bible explains that the reason humans were created in the image of God is to know Him and live … Continue reading Life that is Real
Last night, Stephen Curry became the first unanimous Most Valuable Player in the history of the National Basketball Association. Soon after receiving the recognition courtside, He put on an incredible display of athleticism and skill on the court. He’s one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen—and an even better person. He seems … Continue reading MVP
Over the last twelve weeks, I’ve been walking through the Bible’s wisdom of Proverbs with some godly men who are also great friends. I’ve been encouraged and challenged to live life the "right way" with the Lord God and with others. In Proverbs we’re discussing God’s perspective on money, on love, on relationships, on business, on morality, … Continue reading Seeking Wisdom
"Letter from a Birmingham Jail" Martin Luther King, Jr. 16 April 1963 My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities “unwise and untimely.” Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all … Continue reading Letter from a Birmingham Jail
During tonight's State of the Union Address by President Barak Obama, the president said, "The future we want – will only happen if we work together. It will only happen if we can have rational, constructive debates. It will only happen if we fix our politics." What I've found is that find that most Americans have grown … Continue reading State of the Union
"The Nativity" by Gari Melchers is one of my favorite artistic portrayals of the birth of Jesus because it seems to capture the harsh realities of the night that changed the world. Before the shepherds appear to tell about the angelic announcement, before the wise men arrive to worship Him and present their gifts, there's just … Continue reading The Nativity
"The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant..." (Matthew 1:18). There it is in the Bible: the birth of Jesus was an unplanned pregnancy. Certainly it wasn't the first in the history of the world … Continue reading Unplanned Pregnancy
Could there have been anything more tedious, anything more ill-timed for Mary and Joseph than following political orders to travel for a census when she was 9 months pregnant? I imagine the tiresome commute to Bethlehem and their disappointing search for lodging was not immediately recognized by Mary and Joseph as something “good” from the Lord. … Continue reading Trials
following Jesus 