We have begun our series on Genesis, and this week is # 2.  Temptation is, of course, part of the story of Genesis. As I have thought about the temptations we face, I was struck again today at how different things tempt us at different times and seasons of our lives. ... Continue

Reading a leadership book by a well-known pastor, he said that there was a phrase that his church has made part of their vernacular.  The phrase is the "tunnel of chaos".  Sounds daunting doesn't it. According to him, this tunnel is the space that exists between pseudo, shallow relationships and real, ... Continue

Where are you sitting right now? (Instead of racing to the next line, take a moment and take in your surroundings.) I am in a coffee shop in Ann Arbor at the moment with 3 tables of middle aged women to my left, 2 college aged young men to my right ... Continue

Following the trail of Twitter and the blogosphere this morning, I happened upon a pastor's thoughts concerning the phrase "Merry Christmas".  No doubt, this pastor had encountered Christians frustrated by the phrase "Happy Holidays".  Many a store clerk or school employee have uttered "Happy Holidays" evoking a strong feeling if not ... Continue

Spending a Sunday at another church, I answered the question more than once, "How big is your church?" And my question to you is, "How would you answer that question?" If it is a question of numbers, than that is a bit simpler to answer.  Typical Sunday attendance runs 300-360 people, but ... Continue

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak at a church in Holland MI.  A couple college friends, great grandma, my father-in-law, and some aunts and uncles were there.  And as much as it was nice to see their familiar faces in the congregation, I was struck by something ... Continue

"But the most obvious fact- whether of God or anything- escaped me.  I thought of it (praise) in terms of compliment, approval, or the giving of honor.  I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows in praise unless (sometimes even if) shyness or fear of boring others is deliberately ... Continue

While exploring a well known Proverb and threatening to sling an arrow down the aisle, a thought kept ricochetting around in my mind.  While, on one hand, I long for deep spiritual friendships and know that I will be far "sharper" if I allow my friends to encourage and correct ... Continue

Yesterday, Brian Spence and April Pichan were married at Greenfield Village.  I had the privilege of officiating the lovely event which took place in an outdoor garden next to Lovett Hall.  While the breeze was a tad brisk, the day was quite nice and, of course, the bride looked beautiful. ... Continue

After standing on the sidelines for hours talking to parents, I have begun to wonder if parents are so driven for their children to succeed that we are missing the mark on the things that really matter. So in an parental version of "would you rather", I pose the question. Would ... Continue