As we move into this season of Advent; a season marked by expectation, waiting, watching, and hoping; it seems appropriate that we would mark its beginning with a feast day. Andrew the apostle was the brother of Simon Peter. He was born in the village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee, and he and … Continue reading Advent Devotional: Sunday, November 30: Feast of St. Andrew
There is no such thing as an insignificant loss of life. All life is sacred. All life is divine. All life is important. All lives matter. --------- As I internally struggle with what’s happening in Ferguson, Missouri, I’m also being confronted with similar stories from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Hammond, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois… I think, by and … Continue reading What is hope?
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on November 16, 2014 * Text: A Story from Isaiah (based on Isaiah 36:1-3, 13-20; 37:1-7; and 2:1-4) The King of Assyria came to Judah and sent a messenger to King Hezekiah in Jerusalem. The messenger called out to the people of Jerusalem, in their own language, … Continue reading Torn in Two
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on October 19, 2014 * Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-9 Well, I’m sorry to say you’ve been duped again. Last week, we had a seemingly innocent story about heritage, which Pastor Tim turned into a sermon about stewardship; and I have to apologize because this week we … Continue reading Here’s To You!
Here's some background info on the book we'll be reading from on Sunday: In the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, we see the shift of Israel from a nebulous, largely tribal group of people toward a more organized monarchy. The people of Israel demand a king, and although God, through Samuel, warns them that … Continue reading 1st and 2nd Samuel
Many Christians I know hold up Micah 6:8 as one of the prime examples of how to live a Christian life. The verse is often translated: “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God?” Really nice sentiments, and honestly, not a bad way to live. … Continue reading Make Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on September 28, 2014 * Text: Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29 How many of you were camp counselors ever? Summers full of playtime. Maybe some God time, bible study, and prayer in there. Watersports. Arts and crafts. Camp food. Ropes courses. And who remembers the Trust Fall? Placing … Continue reading Trust Issues
--- a collection of thoughts in preparation for my sermon on sunday --- Text: Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29 Saying “trust in God” during times of turmoil is a really nice thought; it looks great on a Hallmark card... The reality is, however, it’s not so easy, is it? I mean, here today, we have God leading God’s … Continue reading Thoughts on Trust
Facebook is killing us. I’m convinced of this. And it’s not just Facebook. Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, WordPress… All are at fault. Slowly, but surely, sucking the life out of us. Social media has fostered a culture of false positivity. Think about it. Very few people air their problems on Facebook. Largely our newsfeeds are overwhelmingly … Continue reading Facebook is Killing Us
A few weeks ago, I ended my post with a question: Can I hold hope? I'm not sure I have an answer, but I've got a few more thoughts. ------------ I’m not a particularly graceful person. I’m clunky. I’m a little oddly-shaped. I’m slightly awkward. My feet turn inward. I stumble, misstep, drop, falter, and … Continue reading Holding Hope
the narrow way 