Longing for the Messiah! Each year it's a bit of challenge for me to put myself into the shoes of a conquered people under the foot of Roman armies and law. Their country's peace from time to shaken by pseudo messiahs leading revolts to throw out the hated Romans. For the rebels, and I feel…Read more Longing for the Messiah – Advent 2
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Detroitonomics (part one)
“The one who stays on the job has food on the table.” (Proverbs 12:11, The Message) As a boy, I often heard men talk about moving to Detroit for good paying jobs. When our family moved here almost fourteen years ago I understood why. There were more jobs than people to fill them. It seemed…Read more Detroitonomics (part one)
Convoy of Hope Disaster Relief following Sandy
“They’ll see that you take care of the poor, that you take care of poor people in trouble, Provide a warm, dry place in bad weather.” (Isaiah 25:4, The Message) The videos and images of children, mothers and the elderly in the aftermath of the story are shocking. However, when I see strong men…Read more Convoy of Hope Disaster Relief following Sandy
I’m Voting for …
God gives us principles in the Scripture that help us elect our leaders. Who will be the best choice, to lead our nation in justice, peace and goodness, only God know. So we have to study those biblical principles for ourselves. Then we have to study the information provided to us by candidates, watch the…Read more I’m Voting for …
Joe Six Pack and Me
He told me he doesn't care for either candidate. It was a fascinating conversation. One that helped me to understand the dilemma some people face during elections. He's a husband, dad, self-employed businessman, a stock car driver, and a committed Christian. We've been friends for 13 years. After a conversation about the presidential campaign he…Read more Joe Six Pack and Me
Cancelled Meetings are a Windfall
"A cancelled meeting is a windfall," my wise friend told me yesterday. Create a pending folder to place items that are important, lack a specific deadline, and can't be handled within two minutes. When that meeting is cancelled open your pending folder, select a task and work on it. You've taken a task and made…Read more Cancelled Meetings are a Windfall
Finding Time to Do What You do Best
"Do what you do best," I was told by a coach today. He asked me how I was doing with the skills he had taught me. I'm grateful for his interest and coaching. One bit of advice stood out. Everything that keeps you from doing what you do best and uniquely for your congregation, you…Read more Finding Time to Do What You do Best
Simplicity
Twice a year paper in my study gets purged, including files that aren't needed. Books are replaced on the proper shelves and clutter disappears as some things are shelved and others are tossed or shredded. Last week my son gave me some bins to sort the shredding, trash and keep. It just so happened that…Read more Simplicity
Thirsty
Patches of our usually lush and green lawn around Woodland's campus are becoming bare. The ground beneath our trees makes you think the Autumn has arrived. Except it is still hot. Our nation is in the worst drought since 1956 according to government meteorologists. Corn is shriveled and turning brown in the fields where there…Read more Thirsty
Wendell Berry on Responsibilities and Priorities
"The only thing that a government requirement assures is a prolongation of government supervision." Wendell Berry Tonight I've been reading some essays by Wendell Berry. Berry is a Baptist conservationist, farmer, professor, poet, novelist and gift to all of us. I was first introduced to Berry's writings by one of my professors. He poked the coals…Read more Wendell Berry on Responsibilities and Priorities
Coram Deo 