Put God Back in Public Schools?
One reaction to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School has been a call to “put God back in the schools.” I even heard one person suggest that the violence…
No, Everything Doesn't Happen for a Reason
“Everything happens for a reason,” he said as he reflected upon the terrible events that had occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. I suppose these words were meant…
The Price of Ending the Charitable Deduction
I’ve been following with interest the conversations in Washington about the fiscal cliff and the debate about how to raise revenue while cutting government…
Room in the Inn?
Merry Christmas! Today, we end our journey retracing Mary and Joseph’s steps with the long-awaited arrival of the Christ Child. After Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, …
The Journey: From Nazareth to Bethlehem
In my trip to the Holy Land to research my book, The Journey, we traveled by car, by van, and on foot as we sought to follow the journey Mary and Joseph would have taken from…
The World Ending at 5:00 p.m. Today?
So thousands of people around the world believe that today is the day the world ends. I’m guessing not many of you reading this page actually believes the world will end at…
How Mary Found Her Joy
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” —Luke 1:46-47For nine or ten days Mary had carried in her heart the…
It Is Time for a National Database of United Methodist Clergy
Every year I receive phone calls from District Superintendents in different parts of the country asking for suggestions for pastors who might have the experience and gifts to…
Counsel and Comfort
Having considered Joseph's story, let’s look at Mary’s story in Luke 1. After Mary received word that she was going to give birth to a child—to the long-awaited…
Herod and Joseph: A Contrast in Character
Assuming Joseph was a young man when Jesus was conceived, one king had ruled over Judea during Joseph’s entire life: Herod “the Great.” Herod ruled Judea, with…