Shut Down by a Sneer
Six weeks ago, I flew back from a Hearing God retreat in Seattle. I sat …
Six weeks ago, I flew back from a Hearing God retreat in Seattle. I sat …
Our Biggest Problem Is Our Heroism
On my twelfth birthday, I received four birthday cards, each with a …
On my twelfth birthday, I received four birthday cards, each with a …
Invaded
Growing up, I had two close friends: one came from a devout, Christian …
Growing up, I had two close friends: one came from a devout, Christian …
The Deceptive Danger of Natural Gifting
I attended the University of Michigan in the 1970’s (like, before indoor …
I attended the University of Michigan in the 1970’s (like, before indoor …
Vandalizing God
I attended a magnet high school in Detroit, Michigan. Cass Tech was a …
I attended a magnet high school in Detroit, Michigan. Cass Tech was a …
Hearing God in the Abundance of His Methods
Most believers long for—desperately long for—God’s voice, but most of us …
Most believers long for—desperately long for—God’s voice, but most of us …
Betrayed
Last week I woke up in a nightmare. The dream seemed real, like an IMAX …
Last week I woke up in a nightmare. The dream seemed real, like an IMAX …
I Was Ashamed of Myself
I was small for my age. When I graduated from high school, I was 5 feet 7 …
I was small for my age. When I graduated from high school, I was 5 feet 7 …
What A Fool I Was!
Shortly after graduating from university, I took a trip with my new boss to …
Shortly after graduating from university, I took a trip with my new boss to …
Living a 4th Quarter Life
One hundred and twenty-two months ago today, I sat at my desk with no …
One hundred and twenty-two months ago today, I sat at my desk with no …
Fear for a Son
Lisa and I bore fruitless until late in life, Wondering were we physically …
Lisa and I bore fruitless until late in life,
Wondering were we physically …
Spiritual but Not Religious
Fifteen years ago, I was dining alone in New York City when I overheard a …
Fifteen years ago, I was dining alone in New York City when I overheard a …
Mission Idolatry
Last summer I met with a pastor who serves a church near a large campus. As …
Last summer I met with a pastor who serves a church near a large campus. As …
We Buried the Hatchet
Twenty-five years ago, my wife and I moved into a lovely farmhouse in the …
Twenty-five years ago, my wife and I moved into a lovely farmhouse in the …
Old-fashioned Pharisees with a Modern-day Makeover
You and I are just normal folk: we struggle to make lasting friendships. …
You and I are just normal folk: we struggle to make lasting friendships. …
Measuring Fruit
My father pastored five different churches between 1949 and 1994. His first …
My father pastored five different churches between 1949 and 1994. His first …
An Unearthly Delight
Sometimes I hear God best in surprises. Seemingly unrelated circumstances …
Sometimes I hear God best in surprises. Seemingly unrelated circumstances …
When Trusting in the Lord Doesn’t Work
A college friend of mine watched every episode of Marcus Welby, M. D. (the …
A college friend of mine watched every episode of Marcus Welby, M. D. (the …
Why Won’t We Admit the Evil of Our Deeds?
When I began Beliefs of the Heart, a friend suggested I adopt a Comment …
When I began Beliefs of the Heart, a friend suggested I adopt a Comment …
Sharing Our Victories or Our Struggles?
Many years ago, I met with a Christian leader who had influenced me in my …
Many years ago, I met with a Christian leader who had influenced me in my …
Shifting Gears
My parents moved from Detroit to Philadelphia in September 1975. I started …
My parents moved from Detroit to Philadelphia in September 1975. I started …
Call Me Ishmael
I need to sacrifice something to God, and I don’t want to. After months of …
I need to sacrifice something to God, and I don’t want to.
After months of …
Bringing God Our Emptiness
My leadership at my church feels fruitless and my last few sermons stank; …
My leadership at my church feels fruitless and my last few sermons stank; …
Self-Deception
I once visited an executive at a Christian publishing house. He wondered …
I once visited an executive at a Christian publishing house. He wondered …