Blog

Questions about the pandemic After a year and eight months into the coronavirus pandemic, what lessons have we learned? How do we move forward? To ask these questions honestly, we undoubtedly find ourselves needing to return to the past, to difficult and traumatic memories, to the days and weeks of isolation away from friends andRead more

I can still remember those raw emotions that came to the surface the first time I watched the unnerving video footage of George Floyd’s murder. It wasn’t just the fact that another black man had been killed by a police officer; it was that he was murdered in broad daylight in front of innocent bystanders–someRead more

The Secret What if Jesus and his message are far better than we currently realize? And what if so much of what gets passed on as the truth about Jesus and his message is actually a watered down version of it (at best) or a complete perversion of it (at worst)? And what if oneRead more

EARLY SUNDAY MORNING On that first Easter Sunday morning, the disciples were not themselves. What they once believed about Jesus, what they had once hoped Jesus would do for their people, was now in question. Sadness, shock, disappointment, outrage, and fear, all of the emotions they were likely feeling between Friday and Sunday morning. Most ofRead more

In light of the violent riot at the US Capital on January 6, 2021 and those who lost their lives, I offer this prayer.   Pray with me: God of creation, Our nation is in crisis. We are more polarized than ever. Neighbor is suspicious of neighbor. Hatred, aggression and violence have escalated. Even thoseRead more

By what it is not We often come to know what leadership is by first seeing it modeled poorly, even horribly. And then when the real thing shows up, it shines a light on what has been missing all along. This is true on the job as it is within our faith communities. When weRead more

Jesus’ critics You would think that someone like Jesus–whose life and work has literally impacted hundreds of billions of people throughout world history–would have been welcomed with open arms during his own day from every sector and corner of life. The reality is, while a great many did embrace him, there were plenty who didRead more

Rights Rights are a beautiful thing. But what if clinging to those rights puts you in opposition to the way of Jesus? And what if the very one you call Lord is asking you to lay them down for the sake of others? Born in the USA I was born and raised in the USA (quickRead more

Following Jesus will inevitably bring you face to face with one of the most difficult challenges (or opportunities) you and I will ever experience–our need to confront our pride and humble ourselves. Acknowledging ones pride is not only uncomfortable; it’s unpopular. Far more unpopular and uncomfortable is choosing to be humble not just occasionally, butRead more

Jesus’ life and death is not an escape route out of this world, but an invitation into a whole new way of life in this world. Yesterday I posted a section titled “The self-made project” from chapter four of my book proposing that a meaningful life with meaningful relationships will not happen when much ofRead more