In his Reflections on the Psalms, here is how C.S. Lewis described Psalm 19: "I take this to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world." The psalm begins, The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to … Continue reading The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God
Should everyone be able to claim their own truth?
At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards Oprah Winfrey said, "What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have." "Your truth?" I heard Dr. Paul Copan speak at a conference held on the campus of a local university. He is a brilliant philosopher and defender of the … Continue reading Should everyone be able to claim their own truth?
Silent Night? Not so much…
Last night, before we all turned in I shared with the family “the other side of the nativity.”Award-winning author, Philip Yancey, in his book, “The Jesus I Never Knew” shares,“Christmas cards of the religious genre typically depict a serene manger scene with Mary and Joseph surrounded by shepherds, animals, etc. All is calm. But when … Continue reading Silent Night? Not so much…
Who were the mysterious Magi?
Matthew is the only gospel writer to include the story of the magi. He starts out their story by writing: "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For … Continue reading Who were the mysterious Magi?
Broken? Be encouraged – you’re right where God can use you.
Read through the Bible and you will see a pattern. God tends to use those who are weak and broken. 19th century pastor, J.R. Miller, once wrote, “Christ is building His kingdom with earth's broken people. Men want only the strong, the successful, the victorious, the whole - in building their kingdoms. But God is … Continue reading Broken? Be encouraged – you’re right where God can use you.
Just Another Day? Sometimes, but not always.
Wow… what a day this must have been for Simeon. You get up like you do everyday. Nothing particularly different about this day. Next thing you know, you are face-to-face with the Savior. Luke records it this way… “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and … Continue reading Just Another Day? Sometimes, but not always.
Beware of these pitfalls of ministry
I was recently asked what pitfalls I saw in ministry. Below is what I wrote in response. The list is not exhaustive and in no certain order. Even if you're not in vocational ministry, the principles can easily be translated into volunteer church leadership. nw Thinking it will always be wonderful. It will get … Continue reading Beware of these pitfalls of ministry
The Worship Wars
Church people can wear you slick on some things. Take musical style for instance. As more contemporary music came on the scene in the 90's there was a firestorm of push-back from those who preferred more traditional songs. FIRST, a true story: when I was in my early 20's serving as a Music Pastor at … Continue reading The Worship Wars
Don’t Read the Bible Through in One Year
I stumbled across this blog by professor, author, and defender of the Christian faith, Sean McDowell, and thought it was brilliant. Why? Because Sean offers encouragement to those who, desperately trying to read the Bible through in a year, grow discouraged and quit when they fall behind in the designated schedule. From the article: Why … Continue reading Don’t Read the Bible Through in One Year
A Prayer
A preacher once said, "Satan trembles when even the weakest Christian is on their knees in prayer." Mary, Queen of Scots, said of the Scottish reformer, John Knox, "I fear the prayers of John Knox more than an army of 10,000 men." James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote, The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a … Continue reading A Prayer