Unsettling moments like this force us to face what we often ignore: the fragility of the things we lean on most. Whether it’s a financial...
One of God’s sweetest gifts to us between the “already” of our conversion and the “not yet” of our homegoing is the...
Dear Pastor Mike, why can’t people have deep, meaningful conversations anymore?
What are the words you beat yourself up with? Consider what you say to yourself when you’ve made a mistake, experienced a rejection, or been...
I’ve learned that there are peacemakers and there are instigators in life. Peacemakers look to resolve conflict wherever they go. Instigators...
Mark and I are celebrating 24 years of marriage today (3/6/23), which makes no earthly sense. The data is not in our favor, being children of...
Please don’t misunderstand me—I really appreciate your teaching. You are insightful and unique, especially compared to other pastors I...
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace—Hebrews 4:16 Have you gotten to where you stay at a “minimum safe...
He called it his “Precious.” J.R.R. Tolkien showed understanding of the human condition when he came up with that little detail. It is...
Everyone felt like they knew Betty and Brad. Their presence was so central to the life of our church that no gathering seemed official without...
Consider these elements when planning a personal retreat.
This is where I wrestle. I have long dealt with the belief that the only way to earn God's favor is by doing enough. If I can be seen as...
C.S. Lewis famously said that when we read history, we find that those who did the most for the present world are also those who thought the most...
What would have to happen this year for you to consider it a successful year? Have you thought about that? What is your definition of success? Most...
I struggled with loneliness for years. And I did not know what to do with loneliness. In fact, I often felt as if it was a shameful secret I...
Why are we so bad at solitude? Our king did it quite well. As a man, Jesus knew his limitations. He understood his need to connect with his...
If you watch the news, I’m sure you’ve seen it happen. A reporter will be presenting live or conducting an interview when suddenly,...
The effects of toxic parents take root in childhood. But, the problems aren’t always identified until well into adulthood. Toxic parents can...
How much time do you spend in prayer each day? I once read that D.L. Moody spent up to 8 hours a day in prayer. That has always challenged me....
I have said it before and I will say it again. I am comforted—deeply so—by the fact that God put so many misfits and insecure people...
I know the first reaction of many to the prior phrase is that it is mere “click bait”. It’s not. I literally mean, everyone...
Events in the world have been hard. And, when things get hard, our faith gets tested. So, what does healthy faith look like when it feels like the...
2020 will be known for many things. But it won’t be remembered as the Year of Thoughtful Words.
I hope you had a refreshing weekend. I did, though I found myself spending a lot of time thinking about Chelydra serpentina, the common snapping...
Do you ever feel like your faults, failures and past sins disqualify you from being used by God? Sometimes those voices that tell me those things...
