In my letter to you, I encouraged memorizing verses from Scripture. First, a couple of thoughts in beginning our consideration of memorizing scripture. Memorizing is a discipline. Now, you know and I know our kids are capable of memorizing everything and anything. I am amazed when I listen to them laugh with one another as … Read more
In asking this question, the answer takes us beyond the varied psychological, sociological, or political dimensions of our life. Sure, there are all kinds of ways we respond in everyday decisions that may be considered good or bad. As an example, April 15 is fast approaching. We may look for ways to fudge on our … Read more
The other day I was driving behind a car with a bumper sticker that read: “Football is my life!” I thought to myself, “Seriously?” What will happen to this poor guy after the Super Bowl? Perhaps, if his team wins maybe he will be going to Disney World. But again, I return to life. Not … Read more
As you may know from previous blogs, this year I will be writing about the importance of reaching this next generation, Generation Z. I have recently released a book, A Letter to the Church and the Next Generation: Spiritual Growth Through the Witness of James, that goes into greater detail and provides exercises at the … Read more
In doing research for my recent book, A Letter to the Church and the Next Generation: Spiritual Growth through the Witness of James, I stumbled across a question young adults are asking: “What does the church have that I can’t get anywhere else?” That is the question. Here is the answer: Renewal. I’m serious. I … Read more
I was planning a pilgrimage to Ireland with Jennine Weeks, the now retired Adult Christian Ed Director at Christ Church Methodist. We planned this pilgrimage to Ireland as a grand finale and celebration of her long and fruitful ministry in Louisville. Then COVID struck and we postponed the pilgrimage for a few months, then again … Read more
I began my ordained ministry at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Mary’s fit the picture of a grand old Cathedral, and it had a wonderful history of doing God’s work. As a young priest in the Episcopal church, I found my faith reinforced by the worship. The music, the splendid architecture, the liturgy … Read more
Humor me. Some of you my age will remember the singer, Kenny Rogers. If so, surely, you then will recall his song, “The Gambler.” You know the refrain, “you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away.” They don’t sing songs like that anymore. Such wisdom. … Read more
I write to you on the 20th anniversary of the darkness in 9/11 and the heroic rescue operations that took place by the first responders. Louisville Author Doug Keeney reminds us of the “untold” story of the evacuation from the boat lift that rescued nearly 300,000 people on Manhattan Island during that dreadful day[1]. Reflect … Read more
I think the Sermon on the Mount provides the deepest and most profound treatment and explanation for the human predicament of how to live—today. It is a timeless document. It is filled with spiritual knowledge. It is quite simply, the Word of God. And one word especially stands out today. In fact, Jesus calls it … Read more