Blame it on my strong Baptist roots, but I firmly believe in the separation of the church and the state. Forcing teachers, who may or may not believe in God or follow Jesus, to display the Ten Commandments opens up vast scenarios that conservatives will gnash their teeth against. Having them displayed may do some good, but at the end of the day, it is religious theater carried out for political gain. Two Commandments Jesus was asked what the greatest... Read more
Is it time for a spiritual spring cleaning? The daylight is starting to last longer and the days are warmer. You may have already opened up your doors and windows where you live to let old winter air out into the spring. Spring cleaning ushers in the season of sunshine and new life. We do that with our homes, but spiritually we can also do that with our hearts. I will be using the Lord’s prayer as one way to... Read more
I have spent the last couple of months contemplating what I believe about being called to vocational ministry. From the summer after my 8th grade year, I have felt called to vocational ministry. But I have been asking others about their calling whether they serve vocationally or not. I have been pleasantly surprised to realize that my understanding and experience are both unique and similar. But even if you don’t feel called to vocational ministry, I think there are several... Read more
Think about what is noble. Noble thinking is thoughts showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals. Noble things are worth thinking about, but some things aren’t worth thinking about. Our brains work to understand the world all day long. The world is full of sources of information. We watch YouTube, TikTok, and television and scroll through social media. Our brain works to collate it all. Bad and negative information is taken in alongside good and positive information.... Read more
What is truth? Well, to put it in 1980’s movie jargon, just the facts, man. Webster says it is a descriptive word to indicate the subject is in accordance with fact or reality. To some, truth is simply what you make it. And to others, truth is only true when it is verifiable in the physical world. Those who seek to understand the physical and spiritual world are often seen at odds with each other. But this year, I am... Read more
Why is Christmas so important? In the United States, we celebrate Santa or Jesus. Some of us even enjoy the traditions that celebrate both. But every year, you will find someone who will call down fire and brimstone on those who seem to forget that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” And heaven forbid if you happen to blurt our happy holidays. You have practically removed Jesus altogether. The last week of Advent has a theme of love, which... Read more
Cindy-Lou Who famously sings about missing out on the spirit of Christmas. In the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Cindy is concerned that everyone is missing the point of Christmas. People are busy with so many other things that the spirit of Christmas is gone. As we approach the third week of Advent, we examine the concept of joy. As I look back over the past year, I wonder for myself and the world, where are you, joy?... Read more
If you are following along with my Advent series, you might feel overwhelmed. Jesus brings hope into the world. But then He instructs His followers to reflect that hope into the world. To participate in building the kingdom of God. For those who are task- or results-oriented, you might think this is too big of a job. And you are right, it can’t be done. All human effort alone cannot build one piece of God’s kingdom. Jesus has a simple... Read more
In The Princess Bride, Westley (portraying the Dread Pirate Roberts) declares, “Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” We do not have to look very far to see that Westley is not wrong. The world does have more pain than it should. Better theologians than me have discussed the pain problem so I will leave that to them. Instead, I want to think through how Jesus saw hope. Let’s look at why Jesus compared His followers... Read more
In the proper tradition of prophets and poets, one of Rich Mullins’s last songs was composed of questions to God, titled “Hard to Get.” Mullins, who passed nine days after recording a rough version of the song, put into words the feelings of loneliness and disconnect people experience along the journey of knowing God. We are just a few days from the start of the Advent season, and there is no better time to consider what it means for God... Read more
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