I want to share two stories with you today, one from history and one from the Bible. But what stands out in each of them are the individuals who were willing to be courageous, men and women of vision. And out of that courage and vision, they were willing to step out and be different,…

Sin, judgment, retribution. Sin, judgment, retribution. It’s a relentless cycle. And scripture, in both Old and New Testaments, makes it painfully clear that no one is freed from it. No one, no matter their social status, their courage, their godliness, their experience—no one is freed from that horrible cycle. Breaking the Cycle No one, that…

Life has become a maelstrom in which speed and accomplishment, consumption and productivity, have become the most valued of human commodities. In this rush over work, we take everything for granted. What else can we do? We consume things, people and information. We do not have time to savor this life, nor to care deeply…

In the early part of the thirteenth century, God spoke to Francis through a whole series of events, from an encounter with a leper to a vision where he heard God say, “Restore my church.” Initially, he thought that meant to rebuild the ruins outside Assisi. He had no idea in the beginning that he…

As we discussed in last week’s post, none of us is worthy apart from Jesus. But sometimes we forget that, even in church: “Oh, let’s make room for Michael, because he’s doing well at business these days. We could use the income from his gifts.” “Come and take this special seat, Michael. We’re really glad…

Only once in my life was I actually fired from a job.  I was very young and completely unaware of the politics in the office where I was working—or that they were turning against me. Forgiveness—or Not I thought I was doing fine. I had people even tell me so, including my boss. But I…

“A new and better way.” That’s where we ended our discussion last time. Since no one wants to be a fool, what’s the alternative, the new and better way? We can find it in three powerful statements that reflect our belief in Jesus as Lord. “I trust him to be in charge.” Paul’s letter to…

“I pity the fool.” (Mr. T) “Why, thou sayst well. I do now remember a saying: ‘The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” (Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act V, Scene 1, page 2) Who wants to be a fool? I’m pretty sure that if…

“Our cities share a common heartache.” That was my response to a bishop in London, England, who offered prayers for us and for the service in remembrance of Pulse from the Anglican Diocese of London. We do share this burden–along with Manchester, New York City, Paris and other places around the world too numerous to…

As the one year anniversary of the Pulse tragedy approaches, I feel compelled to share a blog post which I published last year in reaction to our collective shock and sadness.  Prayers and tears continue for the victims, their families and the community.  +GOB When I heard the news, I was sitting in the airport…