“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” –James 1:2-4 I return to this passage often because as the world spins out of control, I need to know that God is still working his way in my life.
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A couple of weeks ago Seattle mega-church pastor Mark Driscoll got into a tiff with Los Angeles mega-church pastor John MacArthur. Their dust-up provided a few moments of entertainment in an otherwise slow news week, so religious publications as well as a few secular ones gave some attention to it. I have to admit the situation made me laugh because of Driscoll’s sheer chutzpah—he wears the trait like a merit badge. That his target was the dean of American fundamentalism John MacArthur made the matter even more entertaining. But what the whole episode revealed about the state of the American church made it important for all of us to think […]
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“Gumby” is the unlikely name given to a man in Central Asia, known to many of us who have traveled and ministered in that area of the world. Gumby was brought up as a devout Muslim in a nation closed to our faith. As a young man he was even chosen as a muezzin, the men who call out the hours of prayer each day from the mosques. Soon after he married, Gumby’s zeal for his religion led him to Cypress, where he and his wife threw themselves into the work of reclaiming Muslims who had converted to our faith. But then Jesus showed up in his life. A […]
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The first thing that gets you when you watch Duck Dynasty is the beards. These guys are serious about their facial hair. Phil and Si Robertson, along with Phil’s sons Jase and Willie have some of the most envied beards in the country. From Christian recording artist David Crowder to the entirety of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, today’s American male is in love with beards. The longer and shabbier, the better. By that standard alone the Duck Dynasty guys are superstars. There’s also the adolescent one-up-mans-ship that occupies every waking moment. It’s fun for those of us glued to the tv, watching with the same kind […]
Read MorePsalm 23 is a favorite of many. But as I was reading it this morning I saw verse 5 in a new light. It says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” In the ancient world – and even in our own! – this was a revolutionary statement. The gods of that time were angry, hostile, elemental forces that inspired terror in their followers. And at times, even human sacrifice. Not so the God of the Bible! As King David says in his psalm, our God GIVES…he is a gracious and loving host who throws a […]
Read MoreLast month’s attack on Nairobi’s Westgate Mall opened the world’s eyes to a global tragedy we’ve ignored too long: radical Muslims are slaughtering Christians throughout the Middle East. To the point where that region of the world—the birthplace of Christianity and the Church—may soon be emptied of Christians. Al-Shabaab—the group responsible for the attack in Kenya—singled out non-Muslims for death, asking people to recite passages from the Koran. The 67 people who were murdered, along with the 240 others who were wounded, were mainly Christian. The very next day in Peshawar, Pakistan, as Christians were leaving All Saints Anglican Church, two suicide bombs exploded, killing 85 church members […]
Read MoreTwo things happened in the last couple of weeks that changed the playing field for Christians and the church. Many people missed them by just glancing at the headlines and not getting into the substance. The more I think about them, though, the more I believe we saw the beginnings of a fresh, new season for telling the world about Jesus. The first was Rick and Kay Warren’s interview with Piers Morgan on CNN. Televised on September 17, the interview was the Warrens’ first public statement since the death of their son last April. Matthew, 23, took his own life after suffering since childhood with mental illness. Warren, […]
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The church staff I serve with is on our annual ministry team retreat, down here in South Carolina’s low country. Some of the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen, with coastal forest blending into dunes that lead down to an inland beach. We can see porpoises moving through the water and a favorite pastime, when we’re not in meetings, is observing the crabs along the sand. We’re at a retreat center called Camp St. Christopher, a rustic nature preserve on the end of Seabrook Island. Of the different locations we’ve gone for our retreats down through the years, this has turned into our favorite. It’s simple, quiet, prayerful and […]
Read MoreMiley Cyrus got her wish at last week’s MTV Video Music Awards. The pop sensation surpassed Beyonce’s Super Bowl appearance for most tweets per minute. The whole nation—or at least the sizeable segment who thinks this stuff is interesting, entertaining or important—tuned in to watch Cyrus’ performance. They weren’t disappointed. She gyrated provocatively with stuffed bears. Sang provocative songs. Wore provocative clothing. Made provocative use of a giant foam hand. Posed provocatively with a blow-dried young man. She did all the things that have made her the celebrity-de-jour. The rows of adoring young women planted in the front row by the show’s producers appeared to be in heaven. […]
Read MoreA few months ago during my annual physical my doctor wasn’t happy with my PSA number. All middle-aged men watch that number like a hawk because it provides at least some information regarding the prostate gland. “Prostate-Specific Antigen” is what the letters stand for, meaning a male enzyme that gives an indication of prostate gland health. For my age group, when the number gets above four you have to take notice because it may point to problems. My doctor used the “C” word—cancer—and got my attention in a hurry. I’ve talked, counseled, consoled and prayed with many cancer patients. But I’ve never had the word used concerning my personal health. […]
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