I sat uncomfortably in the nicely-furnished room of the doctor’s office, trying to make small talk with my wife. Finally, the urologist walked in, exchanged brief pleasantries and sat down. I was trying to read his face, but it was as deadpan as a professional poker player’s. “I don’t...

  Take a deep breath – it’s almost over. The last presidential debate has been aired and ballots will be cast in a few short weeks. Then we can go back to “business-as-usual.” Or will we? It’s no secret that this has been one of the most contentious campaigns in modern...

  Summer dog days have slipped away and the cool air of autumn has arrived like a friendly visitor. Did you know that the Bible has much to say about the seasons? The following verses remind us that the seasons can teach us much about God and ourselves. Daniel 2:21 “He...

  The sign was emblazoned with red letters: “Jesus Christ Superstar? NO! Lord and Savior!” My youngest son and I had to make our way past the protestors if we were going to watch the classic 70s rock opera penned by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. A balding man...

  A pastor friend was chatting with me a few months ago about his daughter. One day over the phone, she was moaning about her job. When she finished, my friend asked, “Who said work was supposed to be fun?” Some people view work as a chore, others tackle it with delight,...

  Over the past year, “safe zone” has made its way into the English vocabulary. College campuses have carved out physical safe zones where marginalized individuals are included. Some of these spaces are lifestyle- or worldview-specific, including only those who are, for example, homosexual or feminist. Dissenting voices are forbidden. Many Christians treat the...

  With the election of the first lesbian bishop in the United Methodist Church, a few people have asked me, “What are you going to do?” My answer has always been the same: “I am going to continue doing what God has called me to do.” It’s really as simple...

  I’m weary. I bet you are, too. Weary of the gun violence and terrorist attacks across our planet. In the past few weeks, Orlando, Bangladesh, Istanbul, Baghdad and Medina have been torn apart with bloodshed. Hundreds killed, scores wounded, lives of surviving friends and family shattered. This will not be a partisan...

  This weekend, we Americans are celebrating our 240th year of existence. Most of us will enjoy barbecues and fireworks, while others, undoubtedly, will lob cherry bombs of criticism. We have our share of sins and shortcomings, that’s for sure. America has always had its transgressions — and always will. But, during this Independence Day...

  My wife and I have decided that we have too much house. Funny thing, too much house usually means too much stuff. Over the last couple of weeks, we have gotten rid of books, clothing, knick-knacks and a set of china we don’t use anymore. And there’s still stuff everywhere, hiding...