Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it … Read More
Focus for Fall: Big Lessons from Small Creatures, Part 1 of 5
It was five in the morning. I was a freshman at college in Springfield, MO and, suddenly, the phone rang. It must have taken me five or six rings to answer and several sentences into the conversation before I realized it was my boss, Bill Hartley—owner of a small roofing company. My illustrious part-time job for him was to carry … Read More
How Death is a Pre-Fall Reality That Points Us to Christ
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…. (Rom. 5:12, ESV) Recently I was asked in light of the series I did on “How I Changed My Mind About Genesis 1 and Science” the following question: How do evolutionary creationists account for the idea … Read More
What White Birch Trees Teach Us About Life
Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary… Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea roar and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it, then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD… (Psa. 96:6,11-13a, ESV) I wrote the … Read More
Ten Things I Like About Being Presbyterian
Heaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending. –Herman Melville, Moby Dick We have cool movies associated with us like A River Runs Through It. Directed by Robert Redford, this movie is based on the 1976 semi-autobiographical novel by Norman Maclean. Our idiosyncrasies, stereotypes and foibles bring a … Read More
How Getting the Theme of the Bible Right Helps You Live
For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Col. 1:16, ESV) In his thought-provoking book, Desiring the Kingdom, James K. A. Smith gives a helpful and broad definition of the kingdom that can apply to all … Read More
God’s Kingdom is a Lot Bigger Than Your Church
Some church leaders—even full-time pastors supported by families—can feel angry or frustrated with moms or dads who are not involved and committed enough to the local church (as much as they think they should be, anyway) due to family commitments. A few years ago, one pastor shared with me over breakfast how certain young dads in his church—who I knew … Read More
A Tribute to My “PDL” Friends and Other Sources of Hope
Every 2-3 months I get together for an “in-service” training with three of my heroes. They are part of Care Net’s Pregnancy Decision Line (PDL). Anyone in the country can call 877-791-5475 and these coaches offer live compassion, hope, and help to women and men considering abortion. They do so by presenting realistic alternatives to abortion and referrals to life-affirming … Read More
The Legacy of Jim Crow, Part 2: Leading in Ways that Heal
As I continued my tour of the National Civil Rights Museum, I came across The Negro Motorist Green Book, something created “in 1936 by African-American postal carrier Victor Hugo Green. The travel guide was created to help African-Americans find friendly hotels, restaurants, and other businesses across the country, especially in the segregated South.”[1] Not only haven’t I ever heard of … Read More
The Legacy of Jim Crow, Part 1: Learning the History
Last week I was in Memphis, TN for my denomination’s annual General Assembly. One of the options offered was a training on “Planting Multi-Ethnic Churches” that included a lunch and talk at the historic Clayborn Temple and a private tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. Although a white guy, I’ve long been fascinated by the African-American struggle and that … Read More