Counterfeit Courage
I used to know a man who had been a colonel in the special forces. By the time I met him, he had left the army and led an international men’s …
Calling, Ministry, and Service
Disappearing Christians
Several years ago, I witnessed a well-known, incredibly talented worship leader. His guitar strum stirred my heart, his baritone voice felt like honey …
Grasping for Significance
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The treatment involved five uncomfortable (and humiliating!) procedures. On the other hand, I …
The Fool and His Headlines
In ninth grade, my brother Andy’s locker partner was Kevin, the school’s drug dealer. One fall day Kevin had a bad trip on LSD. The bad trip continued …
Selling Our Soul for a Fleeting Salvation
Last week I read a puzzling passage in Hebrews. So baffling it even felt (if I can write this without being struck dead by a bolt of lighting), it …
The Powerful Authority of Humility
My wife is not a fan of Tom Cruise. I see her point. It’s like his acting powers peaked in Top Gun (or maybe A Few Good Men), and all his subsequent …
God Doesn’t Need Our Greatness
On my twelfth birthday, I received four birthday cards, each with a personal message. My grandfather, my parents, my oldest brother, and an elder at …
When Helping God is Lethal
I have an atheist friend who hates the Bible because of the Old Testament: the violent wars, people struck dead, and idea of a fearful God. He doesn’t …
I Was Mortified
I wrenched my back last spring. I don’t know how I did it, but certain movements sent firebolts of pain down my spine. I couldn’t even lean over to …
I Was A Fool
Ten years ago, my friend Gary Barkalow asked me if I had any New Year’s resolutions. While I wanted to share sixty years of life-changing resolves …
The Impact of Intimate Theology
A few years ago, I met with a pastor of a church near a large campus. As the university grew in prestige, it attracted thousands of international …
Dregs of Culture
I was in a college ministry that targeted its evangelism for one purpose: to select future leaders. I’m ashamed to admit we called this process, …