The parable of the workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16 ends, well, outlandishly.  Now there's a word for you -- outlandishly.Here's the ending...9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one ofContinue reading "This might just be your week to act outlandishly…"

In the Parable of the Generous Landowner (or Parable of the Vineyard Workers) in Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus has the landowner respond this way to charges of being unfair:"I am not being unfair. You received the wages you agreed to work for.If I choose to be generous to others, can’t I do with my money asContinue reading "The mysterious interweaving of God’s grace and human choice"

With whom are you fighting your biggest battles right now ... maybe this very day, even this very hour?Your co-workers?Your children?Your children's friends?Your spouse?Your ex-spouse?Your attorney?Your ex-spouse's attorney? Your friends?Your neighbors?Your neighborhood school teachers? Your fellow church members?Your pastor?Yourself? Well, could be.  But here's what the Apostle Peter says about the fight:"Be self-controlled and alert.Continue reading "Evil does have a name, your know…"

This last Sunday I attended the Urban campus of Willow Creek Community Church in downtown Chicago.The message by evangelism pastor Steve Carter was streamed to all the Willow satellite campuses, including the Urban campus down in the loop.Carter spoke on "Belief," spending the bulk of his message talking about this question: "What are the essentials?"NowContinue reading "What are your essentials? What are your convictions? What are your preferences?"

Willow Creek's Urban campus meets at the Auditorium Theatre in downtown ChicagoYesterday in Chicago I attended the urban branch of Willow Creek Community Church that meets downtown.I went an hour early and watched the team set up and do all the sounds checks and get the offering buckets in place and listened as they madeContinue reading "Smile today — A lot! I’m serious, SMILE … :)"

“As soon as the snake saw his chance, he slithered silently up to Eve. ‘Does God really love you?’ the serpent whispered. ‘If he does, why won’t he let you eat the nice, juicy, delicious fruit? Poor you, perhaps God doesn’t want you to be happy.' The snake’s words hissed into her ears and sunkContinue reading "The oldest trick in the world on Valentine’s Day…"

I've talked with so many people about changing habits.  This is surely one of the hardest things to do.  I found this guest post on an interesting blog about business, behavior and the brain both clear and compelling.  

Does your GPS resemble this?  Is it anywhere this trustworthy?Glorify God (by proving him the best in my life each day.) "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth." Psalm 96:1Pursue God (by seeking him earnestly).  "The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons and daughters ofContinue reading "How trustworthy is you GPS?"