Over the last two days, we reflected on two master artists from the book of Exodus (chapter 31), Bezalel and Oholiab. Today, I’m going to make a giant interpretive leap here – from their lives to your life and mine. If we all have this creative ability within us, and I believe we do (even […]
Yesterday, we reflected on two master artists from the book of Exodus, Bezalel and Oholiab. In my congregation, we have quite a few really talented artists; not only musicians – but also painters, quilt-makers, chefs, gardeners, and skilled carpenters. And I am ever grateful whenever artists feel compelled to share their gifts to make our […]
In the book of Exodus (chapter 31) we encounter a couple of lesser-known guys named Bezalel (bez’-uh-lel) and Oholiab (oh-hoh-lee-ab). They are both artists. Leading up to this passage, over the course of five chapters, we read in detail the building and artistic design of the Tabernacle, a portable tent-like sanctuary carried by the Israelites […]
You may have heard the apocryphal story about a small town where there were no liquor stores until one day a nightclub was built right on the main street. The churches in the town were so upset that they held several prayer vigils. They prayed God would burn the sinful place down. Sure enough, a […]
There is a Peanuts Comic where Lucy and Linus are getting ready for Church. Lucy asks, “Have you studied your Sunday school lesson?” “I’m working on it.. I’m practicing doing three things at once,” Linus responds as he tries to get dressed. “All it takes is balance and coordination of which I happen to have […]
This past week I heard this interview with Father Greg Boyle who is a Jesuit Priest. Very early on in his ministry, he was placed in inner-city Los Angeles to work with gangs in the roughest part of the city. It was a fascinating interview – and so moving. He ended up starting several businesses […]
In an old Winnie the Pooh comic strip, Pooh and Piglet take an evening walk. They mostly walk in silence. Finally, Piglet asks, “When you wake up in the morning, Pooh, what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” answers Pooh. And then Pooh asks, “And what do you say, Piglet?” Piglet […]
Pastor and author, Tom Long tells about a time while he was at Princeton when he attended a nearby Presbyterian church that prides itself on being an academic, intellectual church. One evening early on, he went to a family night supper and sat down next to a man, introduced himself, told him he was new, […]
Have you heard about the confidential report on several candidates being considered for a pastorate at a local church? Let me share just a few with you: Noah: Former pastorate of 120 years with not even one convert. Prone to unrealistic building projects. Moses: A modest and meek man, but a poor communicator, even stuttering […]
Many years ago, we had two foster children join our family for a short time down in Sarasota – two sisters ages 4 and 6. These children came from a very rough home, and church was not a big part of their lives. The first night at our house was traumatic. After being removed from […]
