“We must quit bending the Word to suit our situation. It is we who must be bent to that Word; our necks that must bow under the yoke.”Read more

Dear parents of graduates: Keep your courage, your humor, your smile, and your stride. Hold steady as you go! Breathe in and out the sights, sounds, and mundane mysteries of your exact life today, for tomorrow is in the very dependable hands of God.
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And finally, after all is said and done, perhaps ask yourself this simple question: “Would this person, given how I’ve acted in this particular conflict, want to spend a day, a week, an eternity with ME?”Read more

This third son of mine did not ever like to be saved or helped, especially from territorial dogs, incensed older brothers, or deadly drowning. This naturally made him a special joy to parent in the summertime, or outside, or really at all. He took it as a personal failure – an affront – when he wasn’t allowed to die trying to save himself.Read more

The fickle world is always hunting for a Messiah that doesn’t require obscurity, suffering, and all-in obedience. I’m a part of that world, too, simultaneously craving attention and desperately avoiding suffering and discomfort. I am tempted every day to bow down so that all of it can be mine, mine, mine.Read more

The Spirit wasn’t (and isn’t) like a divine Uber driver, sent by God to pick Jesus up at the Jordan river and drop him off at his next appointment with the prince of darkness. The Spirit didn’t drive Jesus into the wilderness and deposit him by the side of the road without compass, luggage, snacks, or a map. Let’s see how he’ll do in this challenge, angels!Read more

Do my words imply that I’m one of the select few (only?) true disciples who really gets it? Read more

“Submit to you?” people will say condescendingly. “Screw you!” Read more

“Have you not seen?” says the King of all heaven and earth. “This is my remarkable daughter in whom I am will pleased. Listen to her…”Read more

She held the baby Jesus carefully in her six-year-old palm, and kissed his face gently before returning him to the nativity on the old piano. “I love you so much, Jesus” she whispered. ” I’m just so sad that you’re going to have to die.”Read more