The Mark of a Disciple

It is rather simple, really, this defining mark of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus, of course, sums it up quite well with his pithy imperatives nestled within Mark 8:34. Here is what he says:  And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let READ MORE

Maria, Mexico, and Pain that Overwhelms

For a couple of days I have watched, admittedly from the comfortable confines of my home, the unfolding drama in Mexico because of the earthquake, and the unfolding events in Puerto Rico because of Hurricane Maria. Of course, both of these horrid disasters come on the heels of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey; and all READ MORE

Loved By God

The essence of being a disciple is moving toward Jesus and taking others with you. When all is said and done, it is really that simple. This is liberating. It allows for a variety of ways to do this, recognizing the unique wiring of many different people, their circumstances, contexts, and so forth. To be READ MORE

“Walk By the Spirit!”

As the Apostle Paul brings closure to his thoughts regarding love being supreme over and above the fleshly extremes of license and law, he raises a tension regarding how to ensure this love will prevail. Galatians 5:16 and following resolve this tension with profound clarity, and the resolution is the antithesis of self-effort. “Walk by READ MORE

A Prophetic Plea for Deep Compassion

The observant person knows there is a great deal of pain across our land. The deaths of a number of African-American men and women at the hands of police officers, regardless of the respective circumstances, have exposed a deep wound within the souls of our African-American friends. It is noteworthy that for many in the African-American community this is READ MORE

Things Needful for Personal Healing

In the throes of helping the hurting, a handful of things have come to mind throughout the years that help move a person confronted with the reality and gravity of sin toward a place of healing and wholesomeness. Perhaps these will be helpful for you or someone you know: There needs to be recognition of READ MORE