Evangelism vs. Outreach? Give your opinion
February 24, 2026
Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter
February 17, 2026
Christmas and New Year’s Day are behind us. Valentine’s Day (my sister’s birthday) is in the rear window too. School buses are cruising our roads. Footballs are no longer flying through the air, and the weatherman says that warmer days are coming soon. In my garden, potatoes are starting to break the surface. Spring is … More Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter
The Joy of Unanswered Prayer
February 13, 2026
I heard a powerful thought as I was driving home from helping my daughter move sheep. One of the joys of our move to Missouri is the opportunity to be close enough to help and be helped by our son-in-law, daughter, and grandchildren. One of the weekly tasks is moving the sheep from one paddock … More The Joy of Unanswered Prayer
A Pastor Asked Me . . .
February 7, 2026
A pastor called with a question about what I have called on this blog, “INTENSELY LOCAL MINISTRY.” How do we reach the people around us? The neighbor next door and the one across the street–how do we tell them about the love of Christ in a culture where the discussion of personal faith is seen … More A Pastor Asked Me . . .
Dissipating the Anger of God: Psalm 85
February 6, 2026
The ESV editors supply the three-word heading, “Revive Us Again,” as a summary of Psalm 85. An outline of the content of the psalm might look something like this: Stanza Description Verses. Contemporary Re-phrasing How God was faithful to Israel (vss. 1-3) … More Dissipating the Anger of God: Psalm 85
When Can Christians Lament?
February 2, 2026
I heard someone say, “Social Media Apps are Lament Platforms.” It’s not my phrase, but when I heard it, something rang true and false in my ear at the same time. Like a chord misplayed, it hinted at something that was jarring and yet suggestive of something important and true. I wrote it down til … More When Can Christians Lament?
Stunned by Jesus.
January 30, 2026
Two thoughts from my morning reading of the Book of Acts. This morning, I was reading Acts and was struck by Paul’s account of his conversion in Acts 26:14 and his description of what the Lord said to him. From there, I went to the other two accounts where Paul shares his testimony in Acts … More Stunned by Jesus.
Lessons from Teaching the Life of David
January 28, 2026
Our new church in Missouri has asked me to teach a Sunday School class on the Life of David beginning in March. More like a part 1, and then they will evaluate how to proceed. I’m excited about the opportunity and the chance to re-engage with the manual I wrote years ago for a seminary … More Lessons from Teaching the Life of David
Why is Jerusalem So Important?
January 23, 2026
Everyone who knows me knows I love the city of Philadelphia. Everyone. Two weeks ago, I was on a “roommates call” with a bunch of old friends from 45 years ago. One of them, Dave, had one question for me. “Are you still a die-hard Philadelphia fan?” “Is the Pope Catholic?,” was my response, followed … More Why is Jerusalem So Important?
Such Good Advice, I Stole It
January 21, 2026
Raising Children Who Think for Themselves If you want to raise a child who thinks for themselves, here are 5 simple rituals you can start at home today: The “Respectful Disagreement” Ritual Most parents say, “Because I said so.” To grow a leader, create a ritual where, once a week, your child is allowed to … More Such Good Advice, I Stole It
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