Gleanings

Recently here in my state of Texas, lawmakers have been debating whether or not to require regular vehicle inspections. Texas is one of 18 states that requires periodic inspections by law. Those on the side of doing away with the inspections claim they are just another example of government overreach and wasted taxpayers monies, a program that is not worth so much for such little gain. Those in favor of keeping the inspection laws relate instances where they came across cars that were in incredibly poor shape and never should have been on the road...and yet had baby carriers in the back seat.      In other words, babies were being transported in unsafe (in some cases, extremely unsafe) vehicles, and it is clear that these unsafe conditions would almost certainly have gone unnoticed and unaddressed had it not been for the required vehicle inspection. To me that is at least reason to pause and consider, before recalling these inspections.      All tha...

Opening Series: "Onward, Christian Strangers" Our first series to explore together is all about what it looks like to share the Gospel message in this new day, where Christians (ought to) feel more like strangers than perhaps we ever have before. In a cultural climate where both the religious and non-religious groups are growing at the same time, the "Good News" we have to share is both more relevant and yet more marginalized than ever. How do we seize the opportunity to speak the "old, old story" to a "new, new day?" ________________________________      No one wants to see themselves doing the very thing they rail against.      In elementary school, no boy wants to be accused of throwing "like a girl." After all, "boys rule and girls drool" (at least in elementary school). To be accused of acting like the very group you are trying to ridicule is the lowest of degradations.      And yet many who cry "fo...

Opening Series: "Onward, Christian Strangers" Our first series to explore together is all about what it looks like to share the Gospel message in this new day, where Christians (ought to) feel more like strangers than perhaps we ever have before. In a cultural climate where both the religious and non-religious groups are growing at the same time, the "Good News" we have to share is both more relevant and yet more marginalized than ever. How do we seize the opportunity to speak the "old, old story" to a "new, new day?" _____________________________      Part of recognizing the beauty in something is determining what is unique about it- what it contributes that nothing else can. The same is true for seeing the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having grown overly accustomed to the Gospel message, we set against the backdrop of other beliefs and religious groups, and it suddenly comes into sharp relief with some of the declarations...

      Hello again, Internet world!  It is good to be back in the world of study and writing as a part of my new ministry position focused on Outreach & Evangelism.  I look forward to sharing the many "gleanings" that come as a result of teaching, preaching, and the many conversations I am privileged to engage in each week about what God is doing in the world and how He is inviting us to join in His work in the ways of outreach and sharing the Gospel message.      My other passion is found at the intersection of faith and grief.  To that end I have another blog entitled "Toward a Theology of Grief" that explores what God is doing when we are at some of our lowest points, and how He walks with us in his own ways for his own purposes.  You can find that blog here . ________________________________ Opening Series:  "Onward, Christian Strangers"         Our first series to explore together is all about what...

I had an interesting concept come up in conversation a few weeks ago.  I was talking with a fellow youth minister about the "bullying" situation in our schools and the "knee-jerk" reaction that seems to have followed it.  Before I continue, make no mistake, in no way do I ever condone bullying.  Bullying in any form is clearly against the love that Christ calls us to show to our fellow man. Period. But, as a society, have we reacted appropriately?  Have we really responded to this problem correctly?  By one set of standards, probably yes, we have.  But by another, most likely no, we have not. A teenage boy struggling with homosexual feelings and with the bigger issue of gender/sexual identity is made fun of, persecuted, and perhaps even physically abused at school.  What do we do? We educate our children on the values of tolerance, expand our textbooks and sex education to include the merits and "normalcy" of homosexual behavior, and, in gener...

I   In John 2, at the beginning of his ministry, Jesus and his disciples have been invited to a wedding. The wine is running low, the celebration is beginning to fade, and Jesus finds himself pressed to "do something" about the situation. He responds to the request rather strangely. Reluctant to get involved he replies, "My time has not yet come."      Skip ahead to John 19, the end of his ministry. Jesus hangs on the cross, full of purpose and compassion, his life not being taken from him so much as given by him. In verse 28, Jesus surveys the situation and know that “all was now completed.” Ending his ministry with the same element with which he first “revealed his glory” (wine), he takes a sip and proclaims, “It is finished” and gives up his spirit.      This idea of Jesus' life building up to a completion that was fulfilled by the cross finds support in Hebrews 5:8-10...      "Although he was a son, he learned obedienc...