In this multi-layered passage we’ve been considering (Luke 10:38-42), Mary is our example in both her listening and, specifically, in her listening to Jesus. And this brings us to our final and most important point for 2021: Jesus tells us that Mary shows us a better way to live. (42) A close friend casually looking at this story has often … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 2 of 4
“Loves first act is to listen.” Theologian Paul Tillich In considering the story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10:38-42, our first of three points is that Mary listened. This might seem like something too simple to mention, but, honestly, given the racial and political division we’ve seen over the past year, I can’t think of anything more … Read More
Changeless as the Sea
Pam, I, and our dogs had a wonderfully healing vacation in the Outer Banks the first week of November. One night she captured the great picture of the moon above. It goes so well with a song I wrote many years ago that I thought I’d share the lyrics with for you the holiday. Although I wrote it on July … Read More
The Art of Conversation
One of the purposes of this blog is to promote honesty and “constructive conversations” in your sphere of influence. With that in mind, and reflecting on the first Presidential debate, I thought I’d share a section on “The Art of Conversation” from a subscription-only list-serve I’m on. It’s a very practical piece from one of my favorite ministries, Axis, that … Read More
Marriage: Capstone or Foundation?
“Marriage, even in the minds of most Christians, is now perceived as a capstone that marks a successful young adult life, not the foundational hallmark of entry into adulthood. The nomenclature attests to this. A capstone is the finishing touch of a structure. It’s a moment in time. A foundation, however, is what a building rests upon. It is necessarily … Read More
What I Learned from Gordon Lightfoot, 2 of 3
I ain’t the kind to hang around With any new love that I’ve found Since movin is my stock ‘n trade, I’m moving on I won’t think of you when I’m gone… I’ve got a hundred more like you, so don’t be blue I’ll have a thousand ‘fore I’m through For Lovin’ Me/Did She Mention My Name, ©1966, 1968, 1975 … Read More
Ten Foundational Beliefs for Building a Christian Legacy, Part 2 of 2
Last week, along with going to a good church—where often one first learns to belong and then believe, we suggested ten essential beliefs for building a Christian life and legacy. In part 1 we noted the first five—hope, grace, humility, the fear of the Lord, and sin—and here are the remaining five: Spirituality, a word that can mean many things … Read More
Ten Foundational Beliefs for Building a Christian Legacy, Part 1 of 2
I often grieve for those who’ve fallen off the cliff of life and are in bad sorts, resulting from some unique cocktail of wounds, circumstances beyond their control, personal choices, and/or the chains of some addiction. The good news for them and for all of us is: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed … Read More
How Does Forgiveness Relate to Reconciliation?
According to Barna Group, approximately “a quarter of practicing Christians know someone they can’t or won’t forgive.”[1] Forgiveness can be confusing, especially in how it relates to reconciliation. For example, How do we know if we’ve forgiven someone? And, if we forgive, do we have to reconcile? Several years ago, I read through Ralph Keyes’ collection of writings of Sons … Read More
The Adoption, Foster Care, and Special Needs Addendum
A friend wrote me this week and encouraged me to write up one additional and important addendum to the article I shared last week on “Four Gospel-Centered & Non-Political Things Every Pastor Can Do to Decrease the Impact of Abortion“. Here it is– a fifth thing every pastor can do: Encourage healthy families to consider adoption and foster care. Further, … Read More