In August of 2008, Eileen, Josh, and I were able to attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Toward the end of that amazing performance by the British Armed Forces and other international military bands,…

It’s a fascinating time of year. These shorter days and longer nights give us the perfect context in which to think about how our amazing God keeps things alive – even when you and I see no evidence of life.…

“How can this be?” In the Christmas story, despite her being for us an overwhelmingly positive example of trust in God, Mary is understandably perplexed (Luke 1:34). Mary “has not known a man,” yet Gabriel has just announced that she…

You’re likely familiar with the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge from 1843. Each year, the holiday classic penned by Charles Dickens is welcomed by many of us like an old friend. We know the story inside and out, and we’re well…

I know that this is supposed to be the time of year when we focus on decking the halls and other fun stuff. But, today, something much more serious is on my mind. I really hate to refer you to…

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Or so they say. After all these years in pastoral ministry, I can tell you that the holiday season is a bona fide rough patch for many of the people with whom we…

Yesterday I experienced a stint in the emergency room. For all of us, I believe, those are the moments that remind us just how fragile we really are. There in the waiting room, I recalled the poignant words of James…

We all need someone to show us the way. Someone who’s been traveling the road a little longer than we, who’s become accustomed to the strange and sometimes unpredictable nature of the road itself. Someone who’s aware of the high…

I need a new vision. I’m not getting much of a vision by scrolling on my phone. In fact, it’s making me depressed. It’s supposed to make me feel connected to the whole world, but I can’t handle the whole…

My soul longs. It always desires more. It hungers. It seeks. It thirsts. Indeed, it craves. My soul is like a yearning machine. This can take the form of selfish idolatry, in which case I am perpetually unsatisfied and ungrateful.…