I returned to my office recently and found a magazine sitting on my desk opened to an article about a man who had lost his 20-year-old son. Our son was 19 when we lost him. There were a number of statements I highlighted. But, the man's closing words said this: "What we've found hardest are … Continue reading The Holidays and the Empty Chair
Grief
The Ministry of Presence
Job (rhymes with robe) buried ten children in a single day. He suffered so terribly he wanted to die. His story is found in the Old Testament book bearing his name. It was customary in those days for friends to come and sit in silence with those who were grieving. To weep with them. To … Continue reading The Ministry of Presence
How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one more thing…
For brevity, I did not include the following in How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life. But, I believe it bears sharing because it provides greater theological context to how I - and my family - survived. As I was listening to the voice of Jesus that day assuring me of his presence and … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one more thing…
Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 1 of 3
All I am doing is to ask people to face the facts—to understand the questions which Christianity claims to answer. And they are very terrifying facts. I wish it was possible to say something more agreeable. But I must say what I think true. C. S. Lewis; Mere Christianity For some, atheism works. For … Continue reading Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 1 of 3
With Friends Like You, Who Needs Enemies?
"What miserable comforters you are!" We'll get back to the above quote in a minute. The Old Testament character, Job, (rhymes with robe) was the subject of what one author describes as a 'cosmic wager' between God and Satan. Job, whom God himself had described as "blameless, a man of integrity", was offered to Satan … Continue reading With Friends Like You, Who Needs Enemies?
The Last Straw
Have you ever done something you believed was the “last straw” with God? Have you ever felt like you've, finally - once and for all - ruined your life? NOTE: A follow-up to my message a couple of weeks ago about the Cross’s power over shame. Tullian Tchividjian (last name is pronounced “shuh -VIJ-uhn) is … Continue reading The Last Straw
The Old Rugged Cross
NOTE: I wrote this four months after finding my 19 year old son after he'd taken his own life... There have been moments these past months that I've wanted to give up on God. I'm simply being honest. As one who grew up in a violent, alcoholic home, I witnessed more violence as a child … Continue reading The Old Rugged Cross
A Psalm of Nick Watts
Reading through the Psalms you commonly see the following subheadings: a psalm of David, or a psalm of Asaph,... I’ll never forget what I once heard one of my professors say: “A psalm is simply a person’s response to God’s activity in their life.” That’s why, in the Psalms, we see the full gamut of … Continue reading A Psalm of Nick Watts
When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
This past week, on a Tuesday morning, I swung through the drive-though at a local McDonald's for a warm, robust beverage on my way to work. After placing my order I promptly pulled up to the first window to pay for said beverage where I was warmly greeted by a woman at the window who … Continue reading When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
The Joy of Helping the Hurting
The most familiar biblical image is most likely from Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Helping the hurting. I cannot begin to estimate the number of people my wife, Michelle, and I have counseled since the suicide of our son, Jordan. Countless people who have, themselves, suffered the loss of a loved one due to … Continue reading The Joy of Helping the Hurting