Category: Uncategorized
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In the 1990’s, when the president engaged in inappropriate behavior with a White House intern, we heard the phrase “character matters.” As he compounded the matter by lying about, much of the nation insisted a leader’s values and personal actions matter, regardless of how much we agree or disagree with that person’s politics. I find…
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I heard a great story from a church with whom I am somewhat familiar. As many congregations do, this one has a weekly fellowship dinner and small-group discipleship gathering. Not too long ago someone new to the church showed up for this event. The newcomer was one of the following: 1) A gay or lesbian…
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Today many of us are reacting to the passing of a larger than life presence in American culture. There’s never been anyone quite like Dolly Parton, and there never will be again. The Queen of Country Music was queen of much in addition to that. We are honoring her for far more than her incredible…
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Elaine (my wife) and I have been watching Tom Hanks’ documentary series on the Second World War. We just finished the episode covering the Allied invasion of Normandy in France. This happened under the command of General Dwight Eisenhower. At some point in preparation for this precarious, massive operation, Eisenhower said something to the effect…
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I believe humans beings have a basic need for belonging. If persons lack a sense that they belong in a family, a group, or a community, that becomes a lens that makes all of life look bleak. I’ve had my own battle with this. I’ve been blessed with a great family, wonderful relationships, good friendships,…
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On 06.08.26 I posted about living in expectancy. After further thought and conversation (thanks to those involved in this) I feel I need to expand on this some. I want to bear down more on the difference between expectation and expectancy. As I see it, they are not the same. In practice, when we are…
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Recently I had the opportunity to introduce something called Holy Communion in a large worship gathering. Depending on the church tradition, Holy Communion also is called The Lord’s Supper or The Eucharist. (The latter comes from a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”.) It is a small meal of bread and wine or grape juice. Simply put,…
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I mentioned in my last post that I spent much of last week at a state-wide youth conference led by Jesus-followers. I had the opportunity to watch several hundred members of Generation Z experience and practice faith. (GenZ is made up generally of those born between 1997 and 2012.) In addition, I am a part…
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I recently attended a large, faith-based youth conference gathering. As part of the event, several hundred students and their leaders would join in worship each evening. One night, in the midst of singing praise, the group had an unanticipated visitor. A local law enforcement officer came in the back of the auditorium and spoke to…
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A close friend of mine struggles to have hope. This person has been burned by life so often and has faced so much disappointment and setback that a positive view of the future seems out of reach. My friend can’t seem to find a trustable hope. How do we have hope when hope has been…
