There is a scene in the film Ratatouille that depicts the nostalgic power of food. In the film, a famous Parisian restaurant has been in a rut, lacking new creative dishes. Suddenly, a mysterious new chef appears with inspired recipes, leading the restaurant to become the talk around town. One day a famously harsh foodContinue reading “The nostalgic power of food, and the importance of having a proper perspective of our ourselves – 2 Samuel 23:8–9, Part 3”
Tag Archives: theology
How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2
Have you ever heard a sports announcer say, “They are in the zone. They can’t miss.” I often hear that about a basketball player like Caitlin Clark who drains long-range three-point shots over and over and over. “She’s in the zone!” It is a thing of wonder to watch a player in the zone. InContinue reading “How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2”
An ancient superhero group called The Three – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 1
Who is your favorite superhero? I asked that question as an intro to my sermon this past Sunday, and I gave people in the congregation a chance to answer. The first one said, “Dr. Strange, because he harnesses power for a different dimension.” Another said “Captain America, because he is a regular soldier.” A thirdContinue reading “An ancient superhero group called The Three – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 1”
Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview
This week I’m celebrating the publication of my book. While there is no doubt that the process of writing is often a solo endeavor, the reality is that a book cannot come to fruition without a lot of people supporting, encouraging and advising the writer. That team approach is certainly true of my book, whichContinue reading “Introducing ancient superheroes of the Bible – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Preview”
How to love like Jesus – Advent Love, Part 4
Love like Jesus. Is it even possible? His best friend John thinks so. This week we have been studying 1 John 4, and in this final post in the series, John sums up his teaching, giving us some practical illustrations about how to love like Jesus. Here’s what he writes in verse 17, “God isContinue reading “How to love like Jesus – Advent Love, Part 4”
How Christmas is all about love – Advent Love, Part 3
In the first post in this series, I asked you to consider the first five words that came to mind when you heard the word “Christmas”. In that post, I linked to some online articles that suggest the words most associated with Christmas. Those articles listed hundreds of words, but not the one word IContinue reading “How Christmas is all about love – Advent Love, Part 3”
Three tests to determine if teaching is true or false – Advent Love, Part 2
In the adjunct courses I teach, I require students to use quality sources to support their essays. But what is a quality source? I use words like “academic,” “peer-reviewed,” and “scholarly” to describe quality sources. I do not allow them to use blogs, church sermons, or devotional commentaries. If they are uncertain, I encourage themContinue reading “Three tests to determine if teaching is true or false – Advent Love, Part 2”
Handing leadership over to the next generation can be emotional – Advent Love, Part 1
John is getting old. He sees the end of his life coming, and it’s close. He’s lived a long time, and all his old friends have passed away. There is actually no one left from the original group except him. Some of them, including his brother, passed away long before. Gradually, one by one, theyContinue reading “Handing leadership over to the next generation can be emotional – Advent Love, Part 1”
What is the most important Christmas word? – Advent (word), Preview
Grab a piece of paper and pen, or open the notes app on your phone. Write down the first five words that come to mind when you think of Christmas. Then come back to this post and keep reading. Go for it! Maybe even ask the people around you for their five. Now you’re back…whatContinue reading “What is the most important Christmas word? – Advent (word), Preview”
Evaluating YOLO, FOMO, and Bucket Lists – Advent Joy, Part 5
You know the acronyms YOLO and FOMO? “You only live once,” and “fear of missing out.” Those phrases describe a passion to have amazing experiences. As we have been studying the Apostle Paul’s perspective on his incarceration in Philippians 1, it almost sounds like he is using a version of YOLO or FOMO. But isContinue reading “Evaluating YOLO, FOMO, and Bucket Lists – Advent Joy, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 