It seems everybody loves Saint Francis. But few really know him. We like our garden statues of a somber man holding a bird, but this is not the real Francis of Assisi from the 12th Century. Instead, picture an energetic and jovial little man, known in his day as...
This blog post started as the introduction to a book review (details below), but I rather quickly realized I had two posts on my hands, not one: There are two quotes about the beatitudes that I love: “Our present day Christianity, anemic and weak from parasites that...
I recently read through Mark Scandrette’s book, The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes. I picked it up partially for the same reason Mark wrote the book, that is, a growing conviction that the Beatitudes should be more central to my life and...
A couple weeks ago I was having a conversation with another pastor and the book of Job came up. This friend said something that has stuck with me ever since. He said, “You know, the end of Job isn’t very satisfying for us. God says essentially, “I am...
Our great need right now is to have our hearts warmed by God’s love. This is what makes us happy and fruitful! Most everyday pastors seek my care and counsel. Is there a difference if I listen well or listen well with the love of God in my heart? Does it make a...