The best new books I’ve read in the last month are Money, Lies and God "Those who wish to protect democracy in the US should hold at the front of their minds a simple fact: We - that is, those of us who reject the politics of conquest & division - are in the majority" (p.236). If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of the growing authoritarian impulse in America, Katherine Stewart's Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy is a Read More …
Lenten Challenge: Living Richly (#2211)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Lenten Challenges series. Sermon My message, “Livingly Richly” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 16:19-31. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Ushers, please close the doors to the sanctuary. In fact, go ahead and secure all of the exits. I need you to stand guard for a few minutes. Siblings in Christ, now that I have your full attention, I’d like to invite you to Read More …
Wake Up! (#2210)
Passage for Reflection: Revelation 3:1-6 Alarm clocks are a curious invention – both beloved and despised. Context matters. On mornings when we wish to sleep in, and our schedule allows for it, the sound of an alarm can be an irritating disruption. Yet, when faced with an important meeting or a life-altering medical appointment, that same alarm becomes a source of gratitude, faithfully waking us at the appointed time. Near the beginning of the Bible’s last book, Revelation, we are Read More …
Lenten Challenge: Loving Wastefully (#2209)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we continued the Lenten Challenges series. Sermon My message, “Love Wastefully” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 15:1-32. You can watch below (due to technical difficulties only the audio is available) or read the manuscript. Excerpt Three parables all teach us the same truth. Rather than centering lostness and foundness, they center love. Friends, I know many people who work demanding blue-collar Read More …
We Could Wreck the World (#2208)
I'm often intrigued by the messages all around me, especially those on wheels. I've explored this fascination in prior posts, including We Could Wreck the World A few weeks ago I as I neared downtown Dallas on I-30 on my way to White Rock Center of Hope, I observed a truck displaying an unexpected message. "We could wreck the world. Jesus Saves." Business Insight The marketing trick worked. I turned to Google to learn more.. The first article I read was "God's Wrecking Crew," a Read More …
My One of a Kind Ash Wednesday Experience (#2207)
Four months ago, I shared my departure from a social media platform I once loved and participated in for 15 years: Goodbye Twitter, X, or Whatever You’ve Become. Shortly before leaving I joined Bluesky and, to date, have seen some hopeful signs that this platform might grow into something similar to what I experienced long ago on Twitter. In my first four months I've attracted nearly 1,000 followers and experienced some meaningful engagement. Interestingly, I joined Threads well before Read More …
Lenten Challenge: Loving God & Loving Neighbor (#2206)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) we kicked off the Lenten Challenges series. Sermon My message, “Loving God and Loving Neighbor” is based on the narrative lectionary passage: Luke 10:25-42. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I remember a time when a lot of people were talking about a church sign. I’m not referencing the fact that Advent’s church sign went dark earlier this week and is now awaiting a repair. Although now, you’ll Read More …
Counting the Cost (#2205)
Today is Ash Wednesday. It is also the start of a new sermon series at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA: Lenten Challenges. Sermon My message, Counting the Cost“” is based on the narrative lectionary passage:: Luke 9:51-62. At noon I preached it as part of an English language service at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). At 7:00pm, I preached it again as part of a bilingual service with the assistance of Connie Ortega. Since these services were not livestreamed or recorded, the only way to Read More …
Great New Books for March 2025 (#2204)
The best new books I've read in the last month are Immigration and Apocalypse Immigration is a topic that is being discussed with greater passion and urgency than ever before. As faith leaders, we must be equipped to engage in these conversations with a deep understanding that places the current moment in its proper historical context. To do this effectively, we must continue learning, and Yii-Jan Linn’s powerful new book is an essential resource for that journey. Welcome Read More …
Listen to Jesus (#2203)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). we concluded our Meeting Jesus Again series. Sermon My message, “Listen to Him” is based on the narrative lectionary passage:: Luke 9:28-45. You can watch below or read the manuscript. Excerpt These disciples were not seeking out a mountaintop experience, but are transformed by it. They and we seek clarity and understanding. The Transfiguration provides all of this and more. In this moment we see much more Read More …