Even a pickle glows Speaking of the high calling of Christ, the Bible asks: “who is equal to such a task?” (2 Cor. 2:16)  Living the Christian life with integrity, in a way that causes others to desire Him, is… Continue reading

The build-up begins. Anticipation builds. It’s going to be the most awesome vacation ever. Then, the week arrives and we’re exhausted, the flights are delayed, and the weather is terrible. What then? Disappointment! We all know the feelings that come… Continue reading

I closed my day with a prayer that reflected weariness and some discouragement, too. “Father, I find the passion for my work fading. My vision is clouded. I am ready to walk away from tough situations. Strengthen me so that… Continue reading

The Lord will roar I love old those old movie Westerns, the ones where the good guys wear white hats, ones in which good triumphs, the nice guy gets the girl. There’s no moral ambiguity in those old films. Everybody… Continue reading

Responsibly Dependent Even as a toddler, my daughter was fiercely independent. She always wanted to ‘do this myself!’ She was an interesting teenager, not a rebel, but always ready to push the limits of parental authority. It’s different now. She… Continue reading

I like politics. It’s quite enjoyable to have an earnest conversation with informed and thinking people about public policy. But, there is always at least one in the crowd who is loud, obnoxious, and quite ready to declare, in very… Continue reading

Francis Chan, formerly the pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California, is now living in an urban neighborhood filled with poverty and addictions. He spends most of his time building friendships, offering prayer, and pointing people to Christ. In… Continue reading

Henri Nouwen felt God leading him to live in a Trappist monastery for 6 months. This brilliant man, a university professor and prolific writer, sought the quiet of the monastic life until he was there for a few days. He… Continue reading

Who lives in your neighborhood? In 1963 my father started his Christian ministry in one of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods where crime and violence were an epidemic. After a few months, he realized that trying to create a traditional… Continue reading

Lawns turn into weed patches, houses fall apart, cars become inoperable, lives go to wreckage – often because of one simple phrase: “I’m going to do that… tomorrow.”   As a pastor I spend a major part of my time helping… Continue reading