A few years ago, as the workplace pastor for a faith-friendly healthcare organization, I visited one of the office work teams. I was holding something in my left hand, which was tightly closed. “So what do you think I’m holding right now? Anybody want to take a guess?” There were lots of guesses. A coin. A marble. An acorn. I… Read more »
We’re not even two weeks into the new year and chronically busy Americans are already becoming anxious. Is there going to be enough time to accomplish what we so recently resolved to make happen in 2022? One of the great human obsessions of the modern age is to make time jump through more hoops – to force time to be… Read more »
Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner. That memorable 1992 commercial slogan – which promoted “beef as a part of a healthy diet” – is still recognized by more than 80% of Americans. If you think that controversies concerning the eating of red meat are only a few decades old, check out the New Testament book of Romans. The apostle Paul’s letter… Read more »
Eleven years ago, a 25-year-old Oklahoma resident named Kristi Loyall noticed that her right pinky toe kept going numb. During a doctor’s visit she was dismayed to learn that she had a rare soft tissue tumor called an epithelioid sarcoma. Her heart sank when her physician told her that in order to save her life he would have to amputate… Read more »
When it comes to inspiration, short verses often stand tall. Both Old and New Testaments abound with brief statements that make profound impacts. Of course, it was never the intention of the biblical authors (we know of approximately 40 human writers) to create “short verses.” The original documents had no chapters and verses. But priests and scholars ultimately concluded that… Read more »
From time to time I share lunch with a friend who is quick to describe himself as a happy heathen. He’s one of the smartest people I know. He’s also quick-witted, hard-working, and optimistic. I cherish our conversations. As a secular materialist, he professes no need of believing in God. He seems to live with a calm acceptance that his… Read more »
Fans of the highest-grossing movie of all time will have to wait just a little bit longer for a sequel. The 2009 blockbuster Avatar has grossed almost $2.9 billion worldwide. Director James Cameron originally planned to release the second installment of his science fiction masterpiece in 2015. Then came production delays, along with extended waits for moviemaking technology to catch… Read more »
A few years ago I approached a four-way stop not far from my home. I was in a bit of a rush, so I was glad to see that there was already a car in the intersection, going from left to right. Perfect. Now it’s my turn. I tapped my brakes, slowed to a stop – OK, I at least… Read more »
“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). The Jesus-following life doesn’t begin with a long list of “you ought to be’s.” It starts with the words “you are.” This is a big deal. People are typically prepared to hear a track coach or a military general or a chemistry teacher or even a Bible-waving preacher set out the… Read more »
According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a spectacularly handsome young man. Every female in his zip code yearned for his affection. He could have cared less. In the words of author Eugene Peterson, “Narcissus had no time for them. He was all the company he needed. He could not waste time on anyone. He required his full attention.” The beautiful… Read more »