When I first read the account of Jesus healing the man who had been ill for 38 years (John 5:1-14), perhaps like you, I was startled by Jesus’ first words to the man, “Do you wish to get well?” It sounded a bit heartless, even clueless, at best enigmatic. Of course the man wanted to … More Do you want to get well?

John 7:40-52 (NIV): On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.”Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” Thus the people … More Conflict

How do you judge the health and success of any small group? Surprisingly perhaps, it’s NOT by whether they have conflicts or not. Marriage counselors, executive coaches and group dynamics experts agree that conflicts will be inevitable. It’s how small groups handle those conflicts which arise that determines their health and longevity. Spoiler alert! Ultimately … More Conflict resolution in small groups

A study of the various governments of Israel during Old Testament times reveals that they tended to get the quality of government which they both desired and deserved (kings as opposed to prophets, for ex.). Some good spiritual leaders, many bad unfaithful ones. The government was a reflection of the collective spiritual nature of the people in … More Of earthly and heavenly kingdoms

When my cute little angelic cherub children morphed into seemingly demon possessed teenagers with chips on their shoulders, I was inspired to frame and post the following quote in their bathroom where they could see it at least twice a day.  It seemed to have at least a marginal positive impact on their demeanors, and … More Attitude

I asked a group of college students today to think of their best friend, and to share a list of attributes which would describe him or her. Here’s the list: Loyal, easy to get along with, easy to communicate with, honest, not mean nor selfish, good sense of humor, Godly, wise, an encourager, empathetic, positive. … More Your best friend

I was watching a new (2019) documentary on the race to the moon (“Chasing the Moon”), and it reminded me of how much our time now is like the late ‘60s in so many respects.  War (and rumors of war as the Bible says), racial tensions, pestilence, financial stresses, technological risks and advances, assaults on long standing moral values… … More Putting things in perspective

Birds, serpents and doves.  Jesus referred to each in order to give comfort and direction to his followers, his disciples, during challenging times.  Jesus reassured us to not be anxious for the necessities of life during events we can’t control. God provides for the birds, and isn’t he even more concerned for us, his children, … More Comfort for challenging times

I’m considering going to the grocery store at first light today. It seems insane, but it will probably be the most dangerous activity I’ll do over the next several weeks.  An invisible enemy, and so many opportunities for exposure.  What if the person in the next aisle coughs? And they probably aren’t wearing a mask, although I am (fashioned … More Headed into battle

I believe many people find comfort in doing spiritual rituals or sacraments done in a group, for example communion, or the Lord’s supper, which was historically celebrated in a gathering of believers.  After all, the “church” is a group of believers and prayer can often be a part of worship.  Prayer, however, was almost always intended primarily to … More Personal prayer: Listening to God