I was honored to preach at my friend Wayne Anderson’s church this past weekend. Here is the worship service. My message starts around minute 22:30.
New podcast episode — Spiritual disciplines and discipleship
Some thoughts on our need for spiritual discipleship and mentoring in days when all we want to do is build our own echo chambers. LISTEN HERE.
Tasteless discipleship
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (Matthew 5:13)
Read moreThe spiritual failure to love
“The spiritual stature of a person’s life is measured by love, which in the end remains ‘the criterion for the definitive decision about a human life’s worth or lack thereof.'” — Pope Francis, On Fraternity and Social Friendship
Read moreWe lack serious discipleship
I am working my way through “On Fraternity and Social Friendship” by Pope Francis. An early section is an exposition of the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is heart wrenching to read this section in light of what happened a week ago at the Capitol and what is going on today in the House chamber.
We have lost sight of each other. We have lost sight of our ability to care, especially for those not like us.
Read moreWhere I failed after 9/11
It’s been 19 years. I can still remember where I was sitting. The memories of halting the retreat where I was attending, huddling around the one TV with bad reception, the shock… calling my family…
Coming out of that time I also knew the word I had from the Lord: “Prepare the Body. The world is different. Get back to discipleship.”
This is where I failed. Miserably.
Read moreUnicorns and Puppy Dogs
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:16-18)
Read moreThe steep cost of following Jesus
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (John 6:66)
There has to be a willingness to enter in. There has to be a willingness to follow NOT for my own convenience, or because I understand everything fully. I need to follow BECAUSE HE IS LIFE. I trust him, even if I don’t understand him fully in that moment.
The call to be “FULLY IN” with Christ
John 6 has become one of my “slow” chapters. I can’t just read through it on a reading plan anymore. I grasp at the air sometimes trying to understand.
Read moreThe way to greatness
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. (Mark 10:43-44)
We look for ways to greatness. Christ shows us the way of service.
