Several years ago I was talking with someone who attended the local mega-church. He was excited to tell me that his pastor had started a new tradition leading up to Easter called Lent. I asked if he meant that the church had started to observe Lent this year. "Oh no, he invented it for this year. Isn' t it... Continue Reading →
A Smudge
What are those on your forehead? What are you giving up? Two questions you rarely hear asked except for one day out of the year- Ash Wednesday. People often ask what I miss most about serving a congregation- there are many things- but one thing that always surprises them is when I say "Ash Wednesday." I... Continue Reading →
3 Issues Worthy of a National Emergency
The term “national emergency” has recently taken its place in our vocabulary. The President declared a national emergency in response to what he considers to be a crisis at the US border with Mexico. Of course, there is way more to this declaration, but that’s another discussion for another day. While I don’t disagree that... Continue Reading →
10 Books for 2018
I typically try to read around 50 books each year. Some are for ministry or work, some are for pleasure, and some are academic. Since we are closing out 2018, here are the 10 books that made the biggest impression on me this year. These were not necessarily published this year, however all of these... Continue Reading →
Our Better Nature
By now, you’ve seen either the video or the picture of Bob Dole standing up from his wheelchair to give President George H.W. Bush one final salute. If the scene doesn’t stir something inside you, I suspect nothing will. I realized that those are the first two people that I didn’t vote for in terms... Continue Reading →
Airports and Advent
I’ve spent more time in airports during the last year and a half than I have in the previous ten years combined. For a dedicate people watcher, an airport is a fascinating, if not tiring, place. One common thread I’ve picked up on is that we are busy…busy doing things we feel like we must... Continue Reading →
The Music is Always Louder Than the Crying
Advent is my favorite liturgical season. I love the anticipation and expectation that a new hope will soon be born into the world. Lord knows, the world needs something. Long ago, the majority of those living under the rule of the Roman Empire was waiting on a long-awaited Messiah to bring light to their darkness.... Continue Reading →
5 Things for Which I Am Thankful for at Thanksgiving
2018 has been giving 2017 a run for its money when it comes to civil dysfunction. Let’s be honest; things aren’t exactly getting better in our political and civil discourse. As a Jesus follower, my predisposition is towards hope, but that’s not exactly an easy path on some days. As we slow down and prepare... Continue Reading →
Not Again- The Cost of Gun Violence
Sunday afternoon. I preached in the morning and following lunch with family and friends was sitting on the back patio, making my way to the coveted Sunday afternoon preacher’s nap. The news alert came on my phone. Not Again. Another shooting, this time at the Landing in Jacksonville. I’ve been to the Landing. People I... Continue Reading →
