From Ashley Cleveland's memoir Little Black Sheep:“I had a pastor for many years who forbade us to sing “I Surrender All,” because he said it was a crock. He said no one surrenders all and that most people, if they are honest, aren’t even qualified to sing “I Surrender Some.” I am solidly in thatContinue reading "Maybe the best we can do is at least ask God for the desire to surrender to His will"

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16Just the other day a pastor told me about a disagreement between two of his parishioners he is trying to mediate.  "Well, there are two sides to every story I suppose, and the truth is somewhere in theContinue reading "Need an objective third party?"

Thank you James!You got problems, friends? Of course you do. Well, here's how noted hunter James Whitehead handled his problems.Face your "bears" head on, pilgrims.  You can do it! 

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother or sister; then come and offer your gift.”Matthew 5:23-24 Many times in my ministry I've beenContinue reading "But what if I did nothing wrong? What then?"

Pope Francis today declared two former popes to be saints -- at the same time. How about that? That's big news even if you're not Catholic.  Pope John XXIII is Saint John XXIII and Pope John Paul II is Saint John Paul II.The pundits are are trying to figure out what this all means.  TheContinue reading "The big challenge is to live out our sainthood now!"

There are a thousand little deaths to come as I follow after Jesus, a million little denials of my self. To be His disciple means that I am a cross-carrier. Every day I pick it up. Some mornings, it feels like a ton of bricks, and other times, I find it surprisingly light. Either way,Continue reading "A thousand little deaths…"

The Donkey by G.K. Chesterton When fishes flew and forests walked      And figs grew upon thorn,   Some moment when the moon was blood      Then surely I was born. With monstrous head and sickening cry    And ears like errant wings,   The devil’s walking parody      On all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth,    Of ancient crooked will; Starve, scourge, derideContinue reading "The old Palm Sunday donkey got his blessing!"

I like how Eugene Peterson expands the 9 fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in The Message.  May they keep ripening in our lives!Love – “affection for others”Joy – “exuberance about life”Peace – “serenity”Patience – “a willingness to stick with things”Kindness – “a sense of compassion in the heart”Goodness – “a conviction that a basicContinue reading "May the Fruits keep ripening…"