I had a Baptist pastor friend of mine tell me once that the Gospel (the “good news of salvation in Christ”) was so simple that a 6th grader could understand it. Another pastor friend of mine, a nationally known Presbyterian minister, once said to me that he feared that we Presbyterians tended to “over-intellectualize” the … More The simple truth

I had the pleasure of watching the French Open (live on NBC no less) yesterday afternoon. Many commentators and tennis greats were calling it the best tennis match ever, calling it a classic in real time as it was being played out live. Impossible shots, long rallies. It was amazing, almost miraculous tennis. Nadal is … More Dust in the wind

Yes! It has eternal significance. I was recently engaged in what might best be called an “existential” conversation on the tennis courts recently. A bit unusual for 7 am in the morning, and on the tennis court sidelines no less. It began with my comment concerning the horrible loss of life in India recently due … More Does what we believe matter?

Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins died at 90 from cancer recently. His book, Carrying the Fire, was key to my interest in going into Naval Aviation which would hopefully lead to my entrance into the space program. Almost did as I was headed to test pilot school (as an NFO) from my first tour at … More Astronaut Michael Collins

As a small group leader there is no better way to get people involved and to elicit deeper, more meaningful conversations than to ask powerful questions. Jesus did this frequently (“Who do you say that I am?” “Do you love me?” Etc.). Some good conversation starters which I like to use in my leadership-discipleship coaching … More Powerful questions

Seems like it would better be called Horrible Friday, right? But, anything done according to God’s plan and for his Glory must be good. It was a plan set in motion by a loving God since mankind first sinned and turned away from Him, our creator. God loved us enough that He sent his only … More What’s so Good about Good Friday?

“A new commandment I give you…” The word “maundy” is derived from an old French-English word “mandatum” (mandate), meaning command. In the upper room with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you, to love one another as I have loved you.” He demonstrated an example of … More Our Maundy Thursday mandate

Not a haven for saints. Question: What is the church? Contrary to the misconception of the many, the church is not a haven for saints, not a meeting place for “perfect” people. The church is more like a “hospital” for sinners. And that includes you and me, everyone. For, as the apostle Paul said (claiming … More A hospital for sinners…

WordPress (the host of this blog) gives me the capability to see what country my web site visitors are from. Occasionally I have Chinese viewers, but rarely Russian. Interestingly, after my last blog on my Naval Aviation flying experience during the Cold War, I had a Russian visitor to my site. Welcome, comrade! I always … More Who’s listening?