Thoughts For Advent 2017

Love

One of the major themes we see pop up throughout the Christmas story is the challenge to not be afraid. “Joseph do not fear to take Mary as your wife.” Even though this story is not going to go at all like you had planned. “Do not be afraid Zechariah, for your prayer has been […]

The 5 Books I’ve Enjoyed Most This Year

#4: Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig

The fourth book on my list of books that I’ve most enjoyed in 2017 was a recent release. Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig was an entertaining and informative look at one of the most celebrated and controversial athletes of all time. Eig does an amazing job of not just recounting the events of Ali’s […]

Thoughts For Advent 2017

Hope

The season of Advent and Christmas can be summed up in three words. They are to my mind the three most powerful words in the Bible, words that changed the entire course of history. These three words are the basis of any hope, joy, peace, or love we could ever experience. They are “God with […]

The 5 Books I’ve Most Enjoyed This Year

#5: Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey’s eloquence and journalistic diligence combine to make him one of the most important voices in Christianity today. When a new book by Yancey appears, you know that you are going to be educated, entertained, and challenged. Vanishing Grace is about the life-giving powers of grace, and how it sadly seems to be disappearing […]

The 5 Books I’ve Most Enjoyed This Year

Honorable Mention

I’ve picked up a lot of good books by reading the recommendations of others. In order to pay that forward, here are the five books that I most enjoyed reading this year, along with a couple honorable mention selections. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!   Honorable Mention:   Make Your […]

The Love of Power and the Power of Love

How To Stop the Hate

During a concert in Sweden a couple of years ago Madonna spoke words of love and hope in the aftermath of the then recent terrorist events in Paris. Yeah, Madonna. Those words are as applicable today as they were then. Here’s a bit of what she said, “Only love will change the world, but it’s […]

The Least Expected

The Place for Self-Sacrifice in the Christian Life

The Jewish leaders gathered around the site of the execution. If there was ever a time to rethink or doubt their course of action this was it. Instead, they boasted with confidence, “he saved others, if he really is who he says he is, let him save himself”. This scene from the final moments of […]

“Running To” or “Running Away”

The Way We Talk About God Matters

On a parking deck this week, I walked by this van:   I know that it’s impossible to judge a van by its cover, but I think we can consider its impact. I believe that the people driving this van sincerely want to do good. They hope that the writing on their windows will make […]

You’re Wrong

Why Our Favorite Words Aren't Helping

Why are we so eager to point out when and where people fail? When someone makes a very public mistake, it takes only seconds for people to post their disapproval on social media. This inclination seems to starts young for most of us. If you have brothers and sisters, you know what I’m talking about. […]