I have had people tell me what I am supposed to believe regarding immigration as a follower of Jesus Christ. I find that one of the most repugnant lines of religious abuse is found in the formula, “If you follow Jesus, then you will agree with (fill in the blank)!” I see no difference between…
I play video games. As a middle-aged man, north of forty, I feel like I just admitted to being immature, unproductive, and generally juvenile. I find that video games are a good way to unwind my mind. My StrengthsFinder profile reveals that I have input, learner, and ideation . . . Meaning that my mind…
I am preaching through the parables of Matthew 13, and in Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus explains the extreme value of his kingdom through a story about a pearl trader who discovers the greatest pearl. This man, who knows a lot about pearls, goes all in and sells all that he has to obtain this pearl. Jesus…
I do not assume that people will show up on any given Sunday for ReCAST Church. Despite the historical data that on every Sunday since April 19, 2009 people have gathered together as ReCAST Church, there is still a weekly surprise that someone came back. I say this without a shred of manipulative false humility,…
I try to wrap up the end of the year with a blog about books and resources I have read that have been beneficial for my walk with Jesus. I am not sharing these as wholesale endorsements. I am not paid to recommend anything. I find that reading and listening to good books is a…
I am writing from the warmth of a coffee shop, but outside the snow is gently falling. Forecasters are saying that it will stop gently falling and will begin ferociously falling in the next few hours resulting in a real winter for West Michigan. Some people will say “finally!” Others will say, “Go Away!” I…
So many charities, so little resources! This time of the year I am often bombarded by many excellent charities who want to kindly remind me that they are doing good work. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to use the resources that God has given me to be a blessing beyond my immediate…
This blog is not written to make you feel guilty. It is more of a confession that I will let you all in on with the hopes that it moves us all along further down the road to gratitude. So let me state at the outset, that I can be a class A complainer. Within…