There’s a percussionist at our church. Chimes, shakers, cymbals, and congas all designed to accent the what the drummer is doing. He puts his whole being into it. He has a flare for the dramatic. There may be half the song when he doesn’t play at all, but the whole...
Normal Church. Our pastor opened the service by saying, “We don’t want this to be a “normal service.” First of all: What’s a normal service? We did pretty much the same thing we do every week. We opened in praise and worship, as usual. We had our monthly communion,...
Sincerely, Mike? Best way to start a letter is to end it. When you end a letter with “Sincerely,” what do you mean? Are you sincere simply about the specific message, or are you sincere about … everything? If asked, most of us would say we’re sincere. Certainly...
Hacked! If you’ve ever had this experience you know. Somebody gets hold of your account and sends out bogus messages claiming to be you. What they hope to gain is another matter. Suffice to say the result is at least a colossal hassle, at worst an identity theft,...
I took a long vacation. A vacation not only of the job but of the mind. The goal? “Don’t worry.” One thing I tried not to worry about was money and work. Wait, that’s two things. And family. Okay, I tried not to worry about a few things. Jesus is teaching me about...
Lots of people complain about other drivers. “I can’t believe these people. Nobody knows how to drive. Fast lane, slow lane, no signal, he cut me off! Make up your mind! Go! It’s green already!” When I drive I feel like I’m in the way. “Sorry, am I bothering you? I’m...
Someone recently called me vain. My response? “I’m not vain, I’m very humble. In fact, I’m probably the most humble person you know. Nobody’s more humble than me. I’m very proud of my humility.” Another told me I was “tight” with money. I know there’s some truth...
Lord, I’m wondering why my situation’s still unresolved. I’ve prayed. I’ve behaved. I’ve read the Bible. I know you’re faithful. So whats the hold up? “I’m workin’ on it.” Father, I see more and more hatred, confusion, and depression in the news and in the country....
Mr. T had a point. Foolishness is pitiful. The problem is, like us, he’s assuming it’s somebody else. Nobody would admit to being a fool. Yet the Book of Wisdom describes foolishness at length with multiple verses, implying fools do indeed exist. Adjectives like...
I know of a man on his death bed who begged God for healing. He was spared, even given 15 more years. He was shown mercy, yet sadly, still struggled with pride. He continued to value self-sufficiency, people, and things over God, and his legacy suffered for it. Pride...
We know life is short. So why does a one minute traffic light feel like eternity? Give a kid a $5 toy and watch her yawn. Watch her brother want it and suddenly its value soars! Everybody thinks the best music is from the year they were 13. There comes a point where...
There are plenty of problems. You know the big ones. Whatever solutions we can offer, any approach that doesn’t start with seeking God’s wisdom will be temporary if not a failure. We can also point to many people we feel aren’t seeking said wisdom. This wisdom is...
You’ve got problems. Some seem unsolvable. Maybe they are... by human standards. God is bigger, stronger, and smarter than anything and He isn’t done with you. God is here. We forget. He doesn’t show up visibly or reveal Himself audibly. This is a great part of what...
I want to be less sensitive to criticism. Oh, it’s coming. I can’t avoid it. I’ll try to do right, but I’ll forget something. I’ll overlook someone. I’ll make an ill-advised joke. Maybe I’ll simply be misunderstood. Whatever transpires has critique potential. As I...
Got a place to live, plenty to eat, and people who love you? Maybe you wish you had a nicer place, an unlimited diet, or that person hadn’t hurt you. For now, turn your thoughts away from that. Right now. Do it. Did you do it? There are so many reasons to be thankful....
It’s the most common question asked of recent graduates: “Now what?” It’s a reasonable question and it looks like this: “Are you getting a job?” or “Are you moving up to the next degree level?” Or my favorite, “Are you finally moving out of your parents’ basement?”...
Ever wake up to a soft alarm? The very phrase sounds like an oxymoron. But it starts softly and slowly builds to a point where you have to act on it. You’ve got to get up. It’s like sharing Jesus with people. You have to start gently. You can’t scream “repent” right...
Spring has sprung and the days and nights are even. The temperatures are getting nicer, and people are getting outdoors. Baseball anyone? Just like the turning of the seasons, our lives are changing all the time too. Sometimes they make an obvious shift, like the...
Have a fear of heights? Spiders? Crowds? They’re all fairly common. I find them fascinating. But I’ve developed a unique disorder psychologists perhaps haven’t considered. The fear of Apple. Not the fruit. That’s Malusdomesticaphobia. No, this is far worse. I fear the...
Ever notice when someone says that, it’s often followed by something “religious?” Maybe you believe in a “higher power” or “good vibes.” Perhaps a severed relationship, an illness, or a tragedy has created a bigger perspective. Why did “religion” get such a bad rap?...
Going out of your way to help a co-worker? Patiently listening to a friend drone for minutes without taking a breath? Dropping your own plans again to be there for your kids? Excuse me, but… Your Father is showing. When you offer your truck to help someone move, pick...