Published in Church On The Edge·Dec 6, 2021Just Be YourselfI’ve just returned from a three-day hunting/camping trip with my son, John. The hunting was unsuccessful, but the father-son time was fantastic. John and I are close. Intimate is the word that describes our relationship. I wish I could say that’s always been true. It hasn’t. It took me a…Bible Study3 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Dec 4, 2021Needs and Greeds“The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.” When the rich young ruler came to Jesus seeking the way to eternal life, he was not just asking how to get to heaven. As many Bible scholars point out, the phrase “eternal life” encompasses a lot more than going to heaven…Spiritual Growth2 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Dec 3, 2021The GateTending sheep was and is a dirty job. By the time of Jesus, shepherds were considered unclean. They were despised, considered untrustworthy, and were not allowed to be witnesses in a court of law, which, by the way, brings us to an interesting observation. …Spiritual Growth3 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Dec 2, 2021The Right Path“ . . . you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” These are the words of Jesus to Peter after he recommissioned him on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. If you remember the…Bible Study3 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Dec 1, 2021Disturbing Facts About Sheep“The sheep of his pasture” is how we are described in verse 3 of Psalm 100. I don’t like thinking of myself as a sheep. I doubt you do either. But it’s a common description of God’s people in scripture. Jesus often referred to himself as the shepherd and his…Spiritual Growth3 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Nov 30, 2021Catch Your BreathPali-pali is a common expression in Korea. It means “Hurry up!” Most people I know don’t need to be told to hurry up, they need to be told to slow down. Life moves at a frantic pace. Sometimes it’s all we can do to keep up. …Spiritual Growth2 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Nov 29, 2021The Grass Isn’t GreenerI’ve made a habit of praying both the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 every morning. I pray both passages of scripture slowly, allowing my mind to reflect on people and circumstances in my life. …Spiritual Growth3 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Nov 28, 2021My Sheep Recognize My VoiceI am encouraged by the fact that King David was a pretty messed-up guy. But he was a messed-up guy who cried out to and for God. In my book, Philemon: Reflections on Christian Maturity, I share Cheryl Goddard’s definition of marriage. …Spiritual Growth2 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Nov 27, 2021Life with the ShepherdUsing the most picturesque and expressive poetry, David describes in Psalm 23 not only the story of his life but the stories of countless others throughout the centuries who have experienced life with God as their Shepherd. For me, like many of you, I can say that this is not…Spiritual Growth2 min read
Published in Church On The Edge·Nov 26, 2021A Psalm of ___________Psalm 23 gives us some incredible insights into one of the most enigmatic, and at the same time, godly servants to be found in our Bibles. David was the youngest son in his family. When the prophet and judge, Samuel, came looking for God’s chosen king, David was not even…Spiritual Growth3 min read