Some time ago, I was reading back through the story of Joshua. When the Israelites were finally settled in the land that God had promised them, Joshua gathered the community together and he retold the story of God’s providence, God’s deliverance up to that point. Joshua ends his speech by encouraging them to make a […]
Psalm 46 is one of the most beloved in the scriptures. It begins, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with […]
Over the past two days, we reflected on God’s unconditional love and grace. I continue that theme today. Not long ago, I heard Father Gregory Boyle talk about his friend and spiritual director, Bill Cain. A number of years ago, his friend took time off of his own ministry to care for his father as […]
Yesterday we reflected on God’s unconditional love and grace. I continue that theme today. Thomas Merton says, “Nothing can change God’s love for me, since my very existence is the sign that God loves me and the presence of his love creates and sustains me…” Some people have a hard time accepting that. They have […]
One of our greatest needs as human beings is to be accepted; to be loved, to be valued. In the world, it’s true, that we often have to earn that acceptance. We have to earn that value. Sometimes we even feel we have to earn that love. It’s not often just handed to us. But […]
I remember an old Family Circus comic that I saw years ago. The young boy was talking to his little sister, and he shared these simple words of wisdom, “Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.” Today is a present. Today we […]
Today, I am deeply grateful for those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Hope reaches others because of you. Thank you! The Rev. Mark Trotter tells about an underwater statue of Jesus in the port of Genoa that is called the Christ of the Deep. It is a […]
Some time back, my friend Rev. Peyton Hopkins shared with me that one of the families in his church had been audited by the IRS three times over the course of several years due to their generous giving. Apparently, extraordinarily high charitable giving is a potential red flag. This reminded Peyton of an age-old question, […]
Over the past couple of days, we’ve been reflecting on the idea of sanctuary. In many religious traditions, there is a gathering place, where the community comes together to hear and experience God’s presence. I love the way the Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue frames the importance of this simple act. He writes: “When […]
Just about a year ago, I asked my congregation: Why do you come to church? What difference has this made in your own life? And their answers were beautiful. Here are some of their responses: I come because I feel compelled to bow my heart to worship the God who is bigger than I. I […]
