I loved school. When I was a kid, I loved everything about school. And I loved good grades. I wanted to be the best. But here’s the thing: there was always someone better than me. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, there was always that one person who was smarter.
Connections 04.10.2022: Course Correcting and Re-Commissioning
April 3, 2022 by
I grew up in churches where the Roman Road and the Great Commission were foundational stepping stones lifted from Paul’s teachings and laid end-to-end in a clear path for understanding the way to salvation.
Formations 11.07.2021: God Will Take Care of You
October 31, 2021 by
I remember an old hymn that people rarely sing in church anymore, at least in the churches where I have worshiped. The first verse begins, “Be not dismayed whate’er betide; God will take care of you.”
Formations 01.26.2020: Caring about the Right Thing
January 19, 2020 by
There’s a Greek word in Philippians 2 that is hard to translate simply. In verse 2, Paul writes, “Be of the same mind.” A more literal translation would be “Think the same thing,” but even that isn’t quite right.
Crossroads: Thanksgiving
November 25, 2019 by
It can be easy to forget our blessings. During moments of pain, anger, or sadness, it can be easy to forget all the good things we have.
Connections 10.08.2017: Paul’s Credentials…and Humility
October 1, 2017 by
Paul’s writings can be a tough read. Like many theologians, whether someone relatively close to Paul’s era like Tertullian or someone more recent like Eugene Peterson, he seems to be learning as he goes—making statements, doubling back, almost contradicting himself at times, certain at some points and a bit unsure at others.
Connections 10.01.2017: Your Bootstraps, God’s Boots
September 24, 2017 by
I teach a couple of classes at a state college near my home. The courses are designed to help freshmen successfully transition from high school to college. One of the recurring themes of the courses is the necessity of accepting responsibility. “You are responsible for your life,” I find myself saying repeatedly.
Connections 09.24.2017: Somewhere between Heaven and Earth
September 17, 2017 by
David is feeling pretty good about God in Psalm 145. Unlike in other psalms, there’s no word about vengeance or swords or wrath. David spends the entire psalm, even through verse 21, proclaiming God’s wonder and nearness and faithfulness. What led him to write this psalm amid all the others so full of lament, fear, anger, and revenge?
Connections 04.09.2017: The Hymn of Christ
April 2, 2017 by
Some commentators say that these verses from Philippians describe Jesus and his mission in the form of a hymn. If so, it is a magnificent and beautiful hymn that encapsulates everything Jesus is and all he came to do. We are supposed to strive for a mind like Christ’s (v. 5).
Formations 01.01.2017: Good and Best
December 25, 2016 by
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to give up almost anything to achieve it? You may know parents who scrimped and saved to send their children to college. You may know stories of athletes or artists who spend hour after hour perfecting their skills.
Crossroads: The Christ Candle
December 25, 2014 by
Christmas Day has finally come! Christ is born! Today, we light the Christ Candle in the center of our Advent wreath. All the candles glow today. The world is bright and warm.