“Fear” and the Drama of Christmas
The first emotion with which we associate Christmas is pure unadulterated joy. And yet . . .
Reflections on Suffering
The great Apostle Peter once wrote, “Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19). Clearly Peter understood two very important things: when we do the will of God suffering may come (contrary to the whole health and wealth narrative), and God is faithful in the midst […]
“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 the Spirit,” the apostle pens, […]
Taking the Lead . . . .
In the margin of my Bible, right next to Psalm 45, I have written the following words: take the lead, at the front, for causes bigger than you—don’t be shy. To the right of these words I have placed a star, scrawled in pencil, and to the left of these words an arrow pointing toward Psalm 45:4, which, with the […]
Reflections on 9/11
September 11, 2001, is a day that forever changed the shape of America. Like you, I will never forget it. Early that morning I had gone riding horses with a good friend, surveying the many things he was doing to develop his newly acquired ranch. Because I knew much of our morning would find us tucked deeply into an array […]
Crazy Sex: Embracing God’s Best in a World Gone Crazy
Over the past couple of years since we at Bethel Church in Fargo, North Dakota, experienced a brief but important sermon series entitled, “Crazy Sex: Embracing God’s Best in a World Gone Crazy,” people have been asking if I might amplify that series in book form. Well . . . the answer is yes. Crazy Sex: Embracing God’s Best in […]
