Sitting across the table from an Old Testament scholar and he asked me a question that I knew would change me: “Jim, do you know what the word blessed means?” Immediately, I thought, “I know I should, but your question kind of makes me feel like you think I don’t know what it means.” Images … Continue reading
“As a man of faith, you are not supposed to doubt.” This was said to me by a seasoned pastor in front of an entire classroom of people. That last part matters. He assumed that this statement was such an axiom that the whole class would agree. On the surface, he was right. One who … Continue reading
My grandmother, Georgina Shultz, passed away last Sunday (April 19, 2020). I had been preparing myself for this for a couple of years after she went into assisted living. What I was not prepared for were the circumstances. The home where she stayed has made the news for having a severe outbreak of Coronavirus cases … Continue reading
Ever read the book of Lamentations? It is a really DARK and SAD book. We see the author (assumed to be the prophet Jeremiah) grieving of the devastation all around him in real time. Look at some of the phrases used: “For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears; for a comforter is … Continue reading
Not long ago, we got an Alexa Dot as a gift. My 5 year old and 4 year old LOVE shouting out commands: “Alexa, play Let it Go from Frozen!” (Sadly, I know all the words now) “Alexa, play Hot Wheels music!” (I have no idea what that is, but she comes up with something) … Continue reading
Disclaimer: Please do not get the idea that I think this is the most significant lesson of 9-11 for me or anyone else. I can only post this because some time has past since 2001. There are a great deal more significant reflections about 9-11 I have had and many others have written. I only share … Continue reading
Many of us lead from a place of strength. We want to give off an image that we have it together by showing off our strengths and minimizing our weaknesses. In our darkest moments, we may try to hide our mistakes or even blame them on others. Author and Christian speaker Brennan Manning said, “I … Continue reading
“Let them be boys.” My wife was right. My four year old and three year old just wanted to search our backyard for dandelions for their mommy. But, calculating the sum of muddy soil plus bare toddler feet, I was trying to avoid the resulting mess that would come with their adventure. “This is why … Continue reading
He was a towering man adorned with stylish wardrobe and a wide smile. He laughed easily as he carried himself with a light-hearted playfulness. This pastor was a student in the 8 week philosophy class I taught for non-traditional students, mostly pastors looking to sharpen their ministry. I remember he had a lot of important … Continue reading
I live in the South. Nearly everyone I know says they are a Christian when asked. Further, it is not uncommon to be asked “where do you go to church?” upon first meeting. Yet, for all the religiosity in the South, I regularly notice a gap between what it means to be a Christian and how people live out Christianity. This may be stating the obvious, but calling yourself a Christian does not mean a lot these days. Continue reading
