“They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.” – Mark 10:32 I remember my first job in youth ministry. …
So for Christmas this year, I got my 20-year-old son a $12 piece of cardboard, and, as expected, it was his favorite gift. What’s so special about this piece of cardboard that cost $12, you …
I’m not sure it gets better than one of my favorite scenes in the movie, Jurassic Park. A T-Rex has broken free (I mean, really. Can T-Rex live on goat alone?) and has taken to …
Fun fact. You have to take a psychological exam to be considered for ministry within the United Methodist Church. I will be the first to admit that I see the need here, but I have also …
Last week I took my first trip to Chicago. Loved the city. Loved the pizza. Loved the experience. My wife and I fit in a lot of touristy things in the two and a half days …
Can I be honest with you? I’m a mess. Seriously. Like, a super-mess. There. It’s out. Where to even start? Ok. Here: I set high expectations for myself. There’s that. Oh. Add to the mix that I …
And here we are, our final “Woe” of Jesus to the Pharisees. In case you have just joined the “Woe” readings, allow me to offer a quick catch-up for you. Jesus, as a guest of one …
Early on in seminary, I was struck by a quote that came from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. When speaking of the Methodist movement and his hope for its future, Wesley said: “I am …
I’m preparing to launch a new series soon in the Harvest on the Holy Spirit. I’m pretty excited about it. Of course, I say, “excited”. To be fair, I must also throw in a pinch of “terrified”. …
In 1 Samuel 16, God tells the prophet Samuel, “Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” The current …
So woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You hypocrites! You tithe from your luxuries and your spices, giving away a tenth of your mint, your dill, and your cumin. But you have ignored the …
When my oldest son was little, his favorite superhero was Superman. I know this because of one simple truth: he loved to fly. Literally. He would climb up on the furniture, on plant stands, anything that …
Have you ever gotten into a situation where you found yourself over your head? I’m not talking a little over your head. I’m talking WAY over your head. I can certainly confess that a few …
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 In the forty minutes it took to wind through the streets …
In my short little lived life, I can proudly confess that I’ve witnessed a lot of pretty great things. A few examples come to mind. The birth of my children. Seeing Star Wars, Episode IV, …