The Work of a Pastor

Pastoral work is the responsibility of every believer. We have been given this great mandate to preach the good news to the whole world Matt. 28:19. We are said to be the light of the world, and called to let it shine so that people may see and glorify our … ∞

What I know so far…

Life has given me many moments to reflect on what is important to me. I have spent a lot of time in the hospital in recent years with little else to do but reflect. This has led me down some interesting paths. So come with me on a journey of … ∞

Favorite Chair

When the Holy Spirt comes for a visit to your house, do you offer your best chair? Do you sit in the chair that rocks a little and sits uncomfortably near the bathroom? A meditation of mine lately has been on the journey of Mary to find a place to … ∞

The Modern-Day Leper

The story of the leper cleansed by Jesus is one that I can identify with all too well. Have you ever felt like you could identify with the leper in this story? Or maybe you feel like you can identify with Jesus himself. Sometimes I feel like I can identify … ∞

Bodies of Divinity

My children made sled runs last week. They hauled piles of snow onto the edge of the deck and packed everything down–that initial drop is important–then they start to sled. At first they only make it a few feet. The incline of our yard is gentle (to the relief of … ∞

Faith Amidst Persecution

Boko Haram translated; “Western education is forbidden” in Hausa is an Islamic sect that believes politics in northern Nigeria has been seized by a group of corrupt, false Muslims. It wants to wage a war against them, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria generally, to create a “pure” Islamic state … ∞

Sabbath-ed So Hard

“I don’t have time to Sabbath right now,” I confess to my friend on the other side of the video screen. “I know I’m not supposed to say that,” I continue, “but that’s just how it feels. Sunday has become my day for catching up on the rest of my … ∞

The Struggle Is Real

Trigger Warning: Depression. Anxiety. Breakfast is absolutely my favorite meal of the day: not only do I adore breakfast food, but I will not function very well during the day if I have not had anything to eat in the morning. My breakfast routine is simple: choose what I am … ∞

THE DIFFICULT LOVE

Love has been the anchor of Christianity – and this has made Christianity a difficult and a unique religion in my perspective. (Matt 22:37; 39) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 39 And the second … ∞

A Comparison of Prayer

Why Do We Pray? The Catholic tradition has always held a sense of mystery for me. Growing up in Nebraska, there were a lot of Catholics around. The Catholic church was one of the largest in our small town, and many of my friends and teachers ascribed to the Catholic … ∞

Opening Day

As we endeavor to begin another semester of deep, theological study, it is worth mentioning something that most people have a tendency to overlook. Perhaps that’s unfair of me to say as a generalization and I should just say that I myself have this struggle, but I’d wager that by the time you’ve read what I’m about to say you’ll agree with me. And if my wager is wrong, catch me on campus during intensives and I’ll buy you coffee. And if this isn’t another semester for you and it’s perhaps your first go ‘round, then heed this concept I’m about to place at your feet, or rather in front of your face, as a warning…