Some time ago, I received an email that was clearly spam—an advertisement for a new mortgage or a refinance offer. I saved it as a sermon illustration because it so blatantly plays on human greed and our capacity to covet what we don’t have. Here’s how it read: “Your neighbor moved to a much better […]
Philip Yancey tells the story of a friend who went swimming in a large lake at dusk: “As he was paddling at a leisurely pace about a hundred yards offshore, a freak evening fog rolled in across the water. Suddenly, he could see nothing—no horizon, no landmarks, no objects or lights on shore. Because the […]
The Irish philosopher and poet John O’Donohue once wrote, “At its heart, the journey of each life is a pilgrimage through unforeseen sacred places that enlarge and enrich the soul.” As I write this, I am in the midst of a huge life change. I am leaving Geneva, the church I have served for the […]
The apostle Paul wrote about God’s will for us very succinctly in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:16-18): “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I used to really struggle with this. I used to wonder how I could […]
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? […]
