Some time ago I got a call from an intermediary. He knew a bit about my work in the church. He had some sense of what theology was about. He knew a lot about medicine. And he wanted to put me in touch with a family who needed my help. He explained the situation. “She’sContinue reading “Did I Give Her What She Needed or What Her Father Wanted?”
Category Archives: hope
We Live in the Seconds
For nearly ten years now I have kept a prayer journal. My prayers are not organized like some people’s. Rather, my prayers are very disorganized. Only the dates at the top right corner of each page give me any context to previous prayers. It is in large part due to my general disorganization that IContinue reading “We Live in the Seconds”
Your Battle Isn’t With Porn
In the final days of his life, John Wesley, a minister in the Church of England, wrote a letter to a young politician named William Wilberforce. Wesley had urged him to use his political clout for opposing the slave trade in the British Empire. Wilberforce did. He made that fight his life mission. He wasContinue reading “Your Battle Isn’t With Porn”
It’s Been Hard But I Am Still Here
On Wednesday, November 4—the day after the 2020 election—my inbox filled up with emails from the congregation. I’m not sure if the confluence of correspondence was a coincidence, but on that particular day I heard of my failings as a minister from many voices in my church. Maybe you’ve also heard charges like these: YouContinue reading “It’s Been Hard But I Am Still Here”
Bad Fruit
You cannot help but feel for the poor disciples sometimes.Jesus had gone up the mountain where he had been transfigured.Only Peter, James and John had seen this, but in the meantime, theother disciples were struggling with a boy who was suffering fromsevere seizures. They must have been surprised by their inability todrive out the evilContinue reading “Bad Fruit”
Coming to Terms with Kabul
“Do you have any sense of hope?”—Kabul had just fallen, and the news was full of imagery from the captured city. Airport besieged by people looking to get out; terror etched on the faces of some, hopelessness on others. The question came from a thoughtful man, burdened by the mess of the world. For aContinue reading “Coming to Terms with Kabul”
I’m Not That Awesome
It must be difficult to live out the gospel of self-esteem, the “gospel” that insists I’m nothing short of awesome. It is, however, delightful to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ that insists that I’m not all that awesome and don’t need to be. Here’s a short quote from Adam Ramsey that explains. TheContinue reading “I’m Not That Awesome”
How Much Sorrow Can You Endure?
How much sorrow must a person endure? How could she withstand another crashing wave of disappointment? Mary Magdalene had been down the road of despair before, confused and tormented by the devil. Then she met Jesus, who freed her from Satan’s power and gave her hope. But then came that dark afternoon when soldiers nailedContinue reading “How Much Sorrow Can You Endure?”
Which Thief Are You?
Men were crucified on either side of Jesus that fateful day at Golgotha. Several Bible versions refer to these two men in differing ways: thieves, rebels, criminals. Whatever term is used, the story is the same. The men were guilty. Jesus was not. Any one of us could have been at Jesus’ side that day.Continue reading “Which Thief Are You?”
What Are You Looking for?
I am not feeling great. I am exhausted. Everything is too much effort. Nothing is going right for me at the moment. I can’t bring myself to come to church this week. I can’t lose weight. I can’t beat my depression. God seems distant. I can’t forgive my friend. I can’t forgive myself. I amContinue reading “What Are You Looking for?”
