How do we become like the idols we create? What are the characteristics and limitations on the objects we worship that shape us into their own image? We make them in our images and find ourselves sucked into that place… Continue reading

Demands and Dread I was facing the day with excitement and dread. The excitement of anticipation came from the developing reality that the day was pregnant with possibilities and packed with responsibilities that I relish, opportunities for good and for… Continue reading

We've been resisting the same sucking vacuum since the first century. It is shaping the gospel of the kingdom into the framework of our old thinking and commercial/political/cultural (whatever) interests rather than allowing it to shape us into a new… Continue reading

What is remarkable about the story and the reason for its retelling by the gospel compiler, Matthew, is the person being addressed. 1. First, she was a foreigner who was (a) the object of hostility and (b) outside the scope… Continue reading

"Men think highly of those who rise rapidly in the world; whereas nothing rises quicker than dust, straw, and feathers."  – attributed to Augustus Hare and to Lord Byron There is a slow rise and a rapid rise. To these… Continue reading

Doubts giving birth to deeper faith: This is the ministry of perplexity. This is the simplicity of complexity and the complexity of simplicity. This is the resolution of struggle in the quest for that rest that will not rest in… Continue reading

“…once you become real, you can’t be ugly, except to those who don’t understand.” Continue reading

“And the woman left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, ’Come, see a man, who told me all the things that I ever did. Is this not the Christ?’” – John 4:28-29… Continue reading

In light of recent revelations, I dug up this old reflection on power, its use, and its abuse: Why do we abuse power? I think it would be dangerous to oversimplify the answer, but we have some hints. We do… Continue reading

  Feeble musings on …. Peace, love, joy, faith, courage, trust, grace…. God is present.   ========= Peace manifestsWhen storms toss your boat,And you've lost your way,With no guaranteesAnd no visible way around the fear And you trust. ————- Joy is… Continue reading