The smell is unique – gentle decay of a natural, wholesome sort rather than morbid. The skies are an honest blue, deep and clear. The crunch of acorns and leaves underfoot betrays all but the most careful movement. It involves a slow disrobing of a revelatory sort rather than...
A Season of Fullness
Difficult Times Produce Amazing Qualities
I heard a song recently by Sanctus Real entitled Confidence. I like the song. It’s got good lyrics, an upbeat tempo, and a singable melody. There are some parts of it that give me pause, however. The refrain refers to Daniel’s faith, Moses’ hope, and David’s heart, and the...
The Genuine Spiritual Measure (Luke 7:24-28)
(Click here to read the passage) Oftentimes, timing is important. In this passage, Jesus waits for John’s disciples to leave before asking some important questions. I find that very interesting. John’s disciples needed encouragement, lifting up, enthusiasm. What Jesus had to say next would likely not have that effect...
The House upon the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27)
(Click here to read the passage) I had the joy of visiting the coast of Maine recently. The fall colors were in their early stages, and awe-inspiring views were plentiful. One of the more intriguing places I visited is the Nubble, a large rock island just off York Beach. ...
Looking Down or Looking Up (Luke 7:36-39)
(Click here to read the passage) There are people with whom we like to associate. There are others we try to avoid. Sometimes we have no choice in the matter – the “wrong” person shows up and we either try to ignore them, or we might try to accept...
The More You Look, the More You See
This morning, before dawn was offering its tell-tale hints along the eastern horizon, I stood on my front porch and looked at the sky. As always, I found joy in looking at the stars. This morning, there was a sliver of moon high up, and it made the stars...
It’s Music to My…
Music. It’s there. In the background of my thoughts. Whispering or sung aloud, sometimes it comes out clear and strong or just as a hum. It forms and reflects my inner life even more than my other conscious activities. I can’t help it. I’ve been like this since I...
Vax or No Vax: My Confession
I’m going public. I’m vaccinated. I got vaccinated very early in the process, when there were still lines of folks waiting for it and qualifications to get it. Why did I do this? I’m a Christian leader. I am constantly called to directly interact with people closely whom I...
“Labor” Day
When I was young, I always wondered about the day we US folks celebrate as Labor Day. Why do we call it Labor Day, when we don’t work? Where I grew up, it was a big thing – parades, picnics, and a general celebratory sense were part of the...
Hard Times? God’s Joyful Command
I woke up a bit overwhelmed and sad this morning. The mess in Afghanistan, the earthquake in Haiti, and the hurricane hitting New Orleans (again!) all weighed on my spirit. Some of it is terrible! Other things in my life have been simply disappointing. But what do we do...