My dad pastored a little Baptist church on the south side of St. Paul, Minnesota while I was in Jr. High. We had a Bible teacher come one year for a week of nightly meetings, something you probably couldn’t get away with these days. He taught from a unique perspective that resonated with my parents and many in the church. … Read More
On Sunday, at our church “brunch,” I had a 10-second conversation that taught me a lesson for a lifetime. I drink hot tea at these meals. So, the water was boiling and my spiced-tea bag, which I had supplied, was in my cup ready to be steeped. Martha came to the table and pointed out that she had brought some … Read More
About 20 years ago, while browsing a Greek grammar book (of all things!?!), I ran across this sentence. I’ve never forgotten it. “We cannot see our own faults, not because they are small but because they are characteristic.” [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Let me explain. The inner problems you need to defeat blind you so you can’t see the inner problems that … Read More
Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been? I’ve been to London to visit the Queen. Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there? I frightened a little mouse, under her chair. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] The kitty cat is standing before the queen. Here she can experience the glistening throne, distinguished royalty, splendorous surroundings, and awe-striking beauty. But what catches the … Read More
A few weeks ago, I sat in the room listening to a 94-year-old man argue with an 83-year-old man about faith and baptism. Mr. 94 was a faith alone guy. Mr. 83 believed that baptism was part of the salvation process. Mr. 94 jabbed with “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved” (Acts 16.31). Mr. 83 … Read More
Today I write a “challenge the status quo” post. These never sit well with some folks. Others love the challenge. I can’t please everyone. I don’t try to. My hope in writing this kind of post is to disorient you a bit. That’s a good thing. Jesus did it. I’m not Jesus. But I like his methods (usually!?!). [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] … Read More
I am slowly learning about the world of stillness. What looks still really isn’t. Consider a piece of wood – no noise or outward movement. It just sits there. Yet, it teems with molecules that are moving. Not remembering much from Mr. Warren’s science class, I had to do a little research on the molecule. “A molecule consists of two … Read More
You awaken from sleep with your mind instantly activated. What needs to be done at work today? What is happening with the children? My “to-do” list is long. Phone calls. Projects. Meetings. Emails. People. Meals. Exercise. Yard work. Errands. Orders. Decisions. Travel. Planning. Doing. You say, “Being still is impossible. There are too many things to do.” [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] This … Read More
In stillness, God is known. The Shepherd guides us to still waters that we might experience stillness and become still. Yet, almost everything in our culture, our Christianity, and our own habits convince us of our need for activity. Our lives are like a jar of water with sand in it. When agitated the water turns cloudy. But, when the jar … Read More
Do you want to know God better this year? Then, be still. Be quiet. Discover who God is as you hush your rampant thoughts and anxieties in order to calm your heart. This is not an easy task. Yet, it is in the stillness of your heart and body that you experience the reality of who God is. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] … Read More
