If you've followed Jesus for any length of time, you've probably been there. That vast, empty wilderness of soul where everything looks the same. No landmarks. No water. The dry place. You sing worship songs that once lifted your spirit, but now they're just nice words set to pretty notes. There's no emotional connection to the meaning. You open your Bible and try to read. After a few minutes of staring at the pages, your eyes glaze over. Your mind is numb, your spirit disconnected. You try to pray. It's all you can do to get the words out and over your lips. You know God Continue Reading

What do live clams have in common with a burning bush -- and what does the comparison have to do with you? Allow me to explain. Last week, I found myself doing a very touristy thing -- collecting shells on the beach in Florida. (Having watched many episodes of Seinfeld back in the day, I felt like I was tasting life at the fictional "La Boca del Vista.") Scott and I had just attended the annual conference for Care Net, the affiliate organization for the ministry where we work. This just after our youngest son's wedding at the end of August. Whew! We were tired. The rest was Continue Reading

When was the last time you thanked someone for pointing out the sin in your life? Conversely, when was the last time you confronted someone else about theirs? I'm guessing your "Don't judge me!" trigger is going off right about now. This is the message we hear loud and clear every day. We 've come to believe that pointing out each others' wrongdoing is a bad thing. But that all depends on attitude and motive. A person who loves to correct others just to feel better than them is not a healthy person. We should rightly beware of receiving such correction. But not all Continue Reading

So I'm reading through the gospels chronologically these days, and I'm noticing it again. Jesus isn't nearly as nice as I sometimes think he should be.       C.S. Lewis symbolizes Jesus by means of the lion character Aslan in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  Point being, lions aren't kitty cats.   Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying Jesus is not kind. Clearly, he is full of mercy and compassion and patience. When he's exhausted and trying to get away from people, but the crowds find him, he starts healing all the sick.   He pays attention to people Continue Reading