How are mere fishermen supposed to see and to understand the infinite greatness of the kingdom of God that Jesus is revealing in his life and ministry?
All in Discipleship
Pursuing Joy
As Christians, we are called to be a people of joy. But despite God’s wisdom in inviting us into this way of life, being joyous is not always an easy endeavor for us.
Spiritual Direction 101
What is spiritual direction, what does a spiritual director do, and how can someone find the right spiritual director?
Overwhelmed by God: Beauty, Transcendence, and Seeing the Savior
At some point I started trying to understand the world around me rather than be amazed by it.
Storytelling and the Good Samaritan
The story isn’t answering the question, “Who is my neighbor?” It’s a well-crafted invitation to an identity crisis.
The Same Old Thing This New Year
Will this new year bring anything that is actually new? Or will the globe keep spinning as it always has?
Six Clashes between Jesus and Evil
We may think of Jesus as one who brings only peace, but a big part of the mission of Jesus was a clash with evil.
The Morning after Christmas
Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to get back to the mission of turning the world upside-down.
The Really Big Thing
Leadership in our congregations must take into account a disciplined focus on being Jesus-followers.
Into the Wild: An Advent Reflection
We tend to think about wilderness as a place, but a shack is a visible reminder that wilderness is a force, always pushing back against order and security.
The Darker Side of Christmas
For the first time in my life I am having to balance the grief that comes with loss and the joy of the Christmas season.
Lazarus, Come Out!
As I sit imaginatively with this story, I find myself identifying with Lazarus. I find myself in a season of life with God that feels grave.
Marshmallows, Advent, and Waiting for the Best
Advent is the season of waiting, so they say. Waiting for the Messiah king to come. Waiting for God to show up.
In the Red
Because I’m such a conversation nerd, I’ve always been fascinated by Jesus’s actual words. Lately when I read his words, I’m awed by his laser focus.
The Alluring Lie of Performance
Productivity and achievement can certainly be good things. But gauging my own validity as a human being by how efficient and effective I am is perilous.
You Have to Be Better
There’s an ugliness I face every time I write a sermon: competition. I compete with myself, and I compete with the guys.
If Sweatshirts Could Talk
I have this old sweatshirt that I’ve had since eighth grade. And I wonder, if this sweatshirt could talk, what would it tell me about my life and myself?
Sibyl, Eliot, and Jesus
We preach life after death, denying death its victory, but perhaps we forget that death has always brought life.
What Do Stress, Jesus, and Self-Compassion Have to Do with Eating?
Just because I am a therapist doesn’t mean I am immune to eating and body image struggles.
God, the Week from Hell, and We Won Anyway
Satan wanted to rob us of our joy and peace. He wanted us to be afraid and to panic.