Recently someone sent me an email with some “Christian one-liners” (Thanks Eileen!) Perhaps you’ve seen some of them. They usually highlight comical aspects of the faith or funny things that kids say. One of them in particular grabbed my attention. It was funny, but also provided a reason to pause and reflect on how we … Continue reading A Christian one-liner that makes you think
Month: December 2023
When your prayer life hits a dry spell
When it comes to prayer, I sometimes hit a dry spell. I’m a pastor. So perhaps that surprises you. In case it isn’t obvious, we’re human too! Very human. Most of the pastors I know love Jesus, want to serve him, care for his people, and struggle with many of the same things that you … Continue reading When your prayer life hits a dry spell
The rabbit holes of speculation
I’ve been thinking a lot about how Jesus said he was coming back. The reason it’s been on my mind is because I’ve been teaching through 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, and that’s a topic that comes up a lot. The congregation to which Paul was writing was confused. So Paul needed to clarify a few … Continue reading The rabbit holes of speculation
Deep fakes, AI, scammers and news: What’s real?
It’s getting more difficult to know what’s real. “Deep fakes” are a growing genre of videos. They make it look like someone is saying or doing something, but it’s all fabricated. A tech wizard has digitally recreated someone’s voice or body movements. When it comes to the news, we often wonder what parts of the … Continue reading Deep fakes, AI, scammers and news: What’s real?
Why are we doing this?
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done…” (1 Chronicles 16:11-12) With December comes traditions. People start to sing carols, light candles, put up Christmas trees, buy gifts, and send cards. Traditions can be good. But not if they obscure the meaning of what we’re supposed … Continue reading Why are we doing this?
Advent: preparing for Jesus
The season of Advent has begun. Some of you will know what that means. Others won’t. That’s because some Christian traditions have emphasized it and others have not. It is the four-week season that leads up to Christmas. The word “advent” itself means “coming,” referring to the coming of Christ. On one level is about … Continue reading Advent: preparing for Jesus
Stay Weird
Reinhold Niebuhr was an American theologian, pastor and professor. In 1928 he wrote: “It is almost impossible to be sane and Christian at the same time, and on the whole I have been more sane than Christian.”* What honesty. Implied in his comment is, I think, the idea that genuinely following Christ will often make … Continue reading Stay Weird
