Our first instinct is to say that any interference with our established pattern of normalcy represents an aberration and distraction from the true path God has for the Church and Christ-followers in being salt and light in the world. But what if the interference is really part of the journey? What if the thing we…
You can’t really escape the widespread differences of opinions today surrounding political issues. At first glance, it presents itself as something where there is a right and a wrong position and the extremes become pretty radical; protests and harsh words create tension. With a bit of reflection and humility, however, we may come to understand…
It can be a dangerous thing to venture into a conversation about politics right about now. It seems there is as much anger and vitriolic rhetoric now as during the general campaign. People from other places in the world are equally divided and opinionated. The good thing is that people are deeply invested in making…
There has never been a time in history when there are more people living in slavery and oppression. Estimates say that 21 million people are trafficked into sexual service or work against their will. This is not limited to “other places.” It occurs everywhere – Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and North America. And trafficking…
Sweating and grimacing we lunge with complete abandon for the goal! How often we find ourselves straining, giving all of our effort, focus, and passion to the compelling vision that occupies our mind – perhaps a promotion, or a mission, or even a sporting event. We will go the extra mile to fulfill that purpose…
You’ve heard the phrase thrown about easily with a certain semi-humorous attitude of resignation in the face of frustrating circumstances. The car breaks down when you need it most; taxes always go up; human nature always wants to cover mistakes. Some things never change. The decision of the Supreme Court of the U.S. recently may…
It was ten years ago this year that the Lord began to weave together the lives, hearts, thoughts, and energy of a lot of people to create what we now know as the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium. After a breakfast meeting in Pasadena, California including Dr. David Bundy, Dr. Donald Dayton, and me in 2003,…
Every time you get a new phone, it takes you a while to figure out how it works; a new laptop requires multiple calls to the IT department to help you learn the new system; each professional conference you go to reminds you how much you DON’T know. It’s like there’s a conspiracy forcing you…
Usually you associate life & death choices with the surgeon, the paramedic, the firefighter, the air traffic controller, or the soldier. One choice means the difference between someone living or dying. No doubt, those are high pressure, important and sobering moments when something – life itself – hangs in the balance. Most people don’t see…
In the milieu of heated debates over the issue of pluralism and universalism, singularity and efficacy of the work of Jesus there is a truth that gets lost in the shadows. Some say that there may be many ways to get to eternal life with God (pluralism). Some say all will find their way ultimately…