Where is God? A lesson from bulbs
“Where is God in this mess?” “Does God even hear my prayers?” I hear these kinds of questions a lot--from others, and from my own heart. And in some of the situations where I sit [...]
When good things end: some thoughts on The Practice
The only constant in life is change. This is particularly true in dynamic organizations like Willow Creek, the church I’ve been a member of for three decades. While I have remained at my church, it [...]
The “crisis” in the blogosphere
According to Christianity Today, as a spiritual blogger, speaker and author, I’m part of a “crisis in the church.” I agree there's a crisis, but I disagree on what exactly that crisis entails. Me, [...]
Now, more than ever, we must show the world what Jesus followers really are
Two days ago, America elected a racist, misogynist, Islamophobic, homophobic bully who brags about assaulting women. According to shocked analysts, eighty-one percent of evangelical voters supported him. The word evangelical has lost its meaning. It [...]
Disappointment with God: A Lenten Lament
I didn’t expect to usher in Lent feeling angry at God, but that’s how it went down. On Shrove Tuesday, my fervent prayers for a dear friend that I love and walk beside went unanswered. [...]
Be encouraged
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing--The Apostle Paul, in his letter to believers. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) My mother and I, in a flash of ambition, sort through [...]
Two essentials for transformation
Are people capable of change? Are you changing (for the better)? Am I? My books and teaching focus on spiritual transformation—that is, spiritual change. I’m prepping to speak later this week on transformation, how experiencing [...]
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Just want to share two things. The first made me sad. This week, after writing an article about the inappropriate nature of Jewish jokes, a writer friend of mine was [...]
What is your heart full of?
Garbage in, garbage out. This is true in business, in computer programing, in living. It's true of our heart, mind, and soul. So the question becomes: what are you putting into your mind? What do [...]
Leaning into the comfort of God
Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God, “Why did you let me down? Why am I walking around in tears, harassed by enemies?” They’re out for the kill, these tormentors with their obscenities, Taunting day [...]