“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes … Read More
The Book Launch Series, Part 4 of 4
The paperback is now available! Although I never dreamed I’d be releasing this during a pandemic, as a friend told me this week, at least reading is consistent with social distancing! Please stay safe and get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085RNKTXY I’d also be extremely grateful if you’d help get the word out. You can use the same previous link to … Read More
What I Learned from John Stott, Part 3 of 3
As a carpenter, I appreciate Stott’s human side whether as seen above in his enjoyment of dogs as he hangs out with Billy Graham or below with his willingness to roll up his sleeves and work hard. As a theologian, it’s his authenticity, fidelity, and clarity that continue to inspire me. Even though he came from a wealthy home and … Read More
Come Thou Long Expected Better King and Government
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order … Read More
The Double Helix of Faith and Family, Part 4 of 4: The Discipleship Imperative
I mentioned in part two of this series that my mom’s parents brought a spiritual strength and stability to our family just by their proximity. And, when they left the area, a healthy spiritual influence was lost. I also explained that this was one of the factors that contributed to my mom’s lack of spiritual support and vulnerability to “bad religion.”[1] I … Read More
My Favorite Eugene Peterson Quotes
On Monday, October 24th, Eugene Peterson, pastor, professor, and author of The Message and numerous other books died at the age of eighty-five. He left a rich, reflective, earthy, and grace-filled legacy. Below are the insights from his writings that I’ve appreciated or have influenced me the most. At the beginning, I’ve also included one passage from The Message because … Read More
Making Life Disciples: Lessons from Allison’s Story
[Note: This post, also published here, gives a glimpse into the work I do at Care Net. The intro and lessons learned, however, have wide application to all of our ministry efforts.] Sometimes we think—or certainly want—our discipleship efforts to be like biting into a York Peppermint Patty: joy explodes into the lives of those we’re ministering to and things are never … Read More
Why I’m More Interested in Conversion Than Collusion
One of the greatest joys I’ve had to date is baptizing new believers into the Christian faith—especially my children (that’s my son, Timothy, above!). Experiences like that—especially given the disheartening state of politics—are far more compelling than Hillary’s email server, collusion with Russia, or Donald’s tweets. It’s not that I don’t want justice to “roll down;” I do. It’s not … Read More
I Can’t Seem to Change
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. –Oscar Wilde As a carpenter, it’s no secret I’ve installed a lot of windows. The time I jumped out of one, however, is something I’ve kept hidden until now. I’ll explain below. The Christian faith teaches that the ground is level at the foot of … Read More