There's a fascinating theory that involves the omniscience of God (that God is all-knowing) that I repeatedly find helpful. It comes up in conversation here and there, and so I want to give it a very brief treatment here. However, you can read something much more complete and academic about...
Have you ever struggled to know how to pray for someone? You don't want to act like you know better than God does about what should be done. You don't want to only pray for temporal relief. You know God already knows, and you suspect He'll do whatever He wants no matter what you pray. One...
Thanksgiving is always a little awkward for me. I get it, and I like that we do it, and I like that it's a huge deal for many of us. But for me, there's always that awkward moment where we stop and say, "Well, we need to remember to be thankful at this moment..." It's awkward ... if I've not...
This week, Lynne and I worked at two different polling stations for the election. It was Lynne's first time, and my third. She came away with the same odd observation I made after my first time: There's a certain kind of honor helping someone to vote, even if they will vote differently than I...
A pastor friend posted this cartoon recently: Of course, the point is a little pastoral revenge for the microscope some pastors find themselves under. (Not every pastor has a perfectly gracious congregation like I do!) But as I gave the cartoon a second thought, I realized that unintentionally...
A commission is an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or a group of people. For example, my brother, who is a sculptor, is commissioned to create a work of art made from a tree trunk using only chainsaws as his carving implements. When a customer commissions him to execute a...
It's easy to criticize addicts. It's not loving nor respectful of the image of God within them, but it sure is easy. All kinds, too - substance abuse, food, alcohol, porn. We can poke at their lack of self-control, lack of self-respect, and the destruction they bring on themselves. Maybe we also...
I love storms. I love the rain, the ominous clouds, lightning, thunder, and the wind. I even like tornadoes, as long as they do no damage. To me, it's better than TV … I could watch for hours, and I'm a little sad when the show is over. And earthquakes. We’ve lived through 10 or so...
In the message last week, we noted how Israel may have wondered "Where's God" in the midst of being attacked repeatedly by the surrounding nations. We also thought about times when perhaps we've asked that question in the midst of feeling surrounded by opposing circumstances. I hope...
I am no expert. I do not invest all the time, research, and money in order to become among the elite. But I do know how to make a pretty satisfying cup of espresso. An aficionado would correct me, but I've learned a few things about the art. I say "art" not because I'm a great artist, but...