I went to visit my longtime friend Fran Meza the other day, and she had just happened upon a quote by her late husband, Herb. Herb fought in the South Pacific in WWII as a Marine and then spent the rest of his life working for peace. He was my pastor when I was called […]
There is a story about three friends who went deep-sea fishing. Suddenly, a storm arose out of nowhere and threatened to sink the boat before the friends could return to shore. Two of the men began to pray for deliverance, but the other man just sat there, watching the growing waves. His companions begged him […]
I was reminded recently that when Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer, he was teaching not only a prayer in itself but also a pattern of prayer. Using Jesus’ pattern, I offer this prayer for you today: Our Father, who art in heaven, and who art on war-torn battlefields, in joyful celebrations, in homes that are […]
Many years ago, Jim Wallis wrote about a time when the South African government canceled a political rally against apartheid. Desmond Tutu led a worship service in St. George’s Cathedral, and soldiers and riot police came in carrying guns and bayonets, ready to close it down. Bishop Tutu began to speak of the evils of […]
Over the past few days, we’ve reflected on the gifts God has given us—not for our own benefit, but for the sake of others. Today, I want to share a few ways I’ve seen this play out. At a previous church I served, I met a man who, at first, honestly intimidated me a little. […]
Yesterday, we reflected on 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reminds us that each of us is spiritually gifted. Today, we continue that theme. When I hear the word spiritual, I think about some of my friends who don’t go to church. They often say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” But what does that really mean? […]
I’m not much of a football fan. My wife, Robbie, isn’t really one either—unless the Kansas City Chiefs make it to the playoffs. Since that’s her hometown team, when they’re in, she’s all in! And that means I’m all in! Of course, we were disappointed by the Super Bowl results last month, but on the […]
There was a couple in a church I once served who were going through a very difficult time in their marriage. Around that same time, they stopped coming to worship. One day, I ran into the wife at the grocery store. She started explaining why they hadn’t been attending but then stopped herself and admitted, […]
S.I. McMillen once told a story about a young woman applying to college. As she filled out the application, her heart sank when she read the question: “Are you a leader?” Being honest and conscientious, she answered, “No, I am not.” She submitted the application, expecting the worst. To her surprise, she later received this […]
Over the past few days, we’ve been reflecting on Paul’s beautiful passage on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Today, we continue that theme. Leonard Sweet tells the story of a traveling salesman who spent much of his time on the road, battling loneliness. One year, his young daughter gave him a special gift to help […]
