A few weeks ago, I returned from a trip to Israel. By God’s grace, I was able to lead a group of friends and family to this incredible land on the other side of the globe. Each time I do so, I encourage those going with me to consider when they experience one of the most powerful moments on the pilgrimage. For me, I had two such moments…

As I looked out over the gathering at our 50th wedding anniversary celebration in October I realized the room was filled with people exemplifying faithful friendships. There were…

This past weekend while sitting in a deer stand on opening day of hunting season, waiting for a big buck to walk in front of me (which didn’t happen), I spent some time on my phone reading a Bible app. I was focused on Paul’s letter…

Are you tired of seeing all the political ads that tout a particular candidate as the best and brightest? I am. I’m also tired of receiving and seeing all the ads for Medicare programs that promise all kinds of benefits…

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me…

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are (Rom. 12:3). I am not humble. There – I said it. I admit it. While I know my gifts are God-given, I sometimes take too much pride in them. Muhammed Ali once famously said…

So, what would you say is the character trait God desires most in people? What quality does He want to see in our lives more than any other? Some would insist it’s righteousness. Others might say service. Still others would argue for love. But righteousness without humility will result in self-righteousness or ‘pharisee-ism.’ And self-righteousness is repugnant to God. Service without humility…

Welcome to November’s good word humility. Did your thinking go immediately to Moses? “Now Moses was humble - more humble than any person on earth.” … I was struck by how many of the dictionary and thesaurus entries were self-centered … defeatist might be the best way to express what I was reading.

As a child, my brothers and I were taught to respect our elders, meaning anyone my parents age or older. Showing respect to our elders became a natural act or behavior for us. We addressed my parents and grandparents, uncles and aunts, their friends, teachers, pastors, and others, by saying “Yes Sir” and “Yes Ma’am.” ... On a few occasions we would forget, and my parents would…

The story of Louis Zamperini, as told by Laura Hillenbrand in the book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, is … one of heroism, cruelty, suffering, determination, remorselessness, redemption, faith – and forgiveness.

"A long time ago, bad things happened..." I recently had a conversation with a 95-year-old woman I met 20 years ago. Our last discussion many years ago was harsh as she expressed her disappointment in the church and the leadership's choices. On a September evening 13 years later, she was no longer cognitively coherent. But there it was: an apology from her soul.

We keep score at this time of year. From Thursday night through the following Monday night, we keep score of the many football games being played … Sadly, people are keeping score in another way…

All of us probably have a “happy place” that brings a unique calm to the stormy thoughts of our daily life. One of my favorite happy places is a little vineyard that is about a 7-minute walk from our apartment. In my vineyard, I observe the seasons unfold. From barren vine stalks…

I have a vivid memory from nearly 30 years ago of attending a retirement party for a beloved local band and orchestra director. The celebration was on the floor of the gymnasium at the junior high …

One of my favorite things in the world is a Disney movie. A few of my best-loved include Beauty and the Beast, Encanto, and Enchanted. … These movies came to mind for a specific reason. …

When I was in college, I took a class in design. I was fascinated by the way random colors, materials, and ideas would come together and form a cohesive piece of art. A designer must assess all the elements within the design to better understand their relationships and how they interact with one another. …

I have officiated weddings since 1984 … hard to believe 38 years of them. (Myself, I dread weddings and welcome funerals—I never had anyone complain at a funeral.)  … Common to many wedding ceremonies is an element of unity: a symbolic act demonstrating the joining of two into one, united for life. …

Has there ever been a time when you have identified with the guys in the photo? Your ministry team is in a meeting and a topic has been presented that is causing members of the team to be working against one another instead of with one another. …