As a minister of the gospel serving at the center of the pro-life movement, I often used the phrase “non-political” to distance myself from unhelpful associations with white Republicanism and single-issue voting. Additionally, as a “never-Trumper,” I did it to protect myself from being canceled by many in my own network. I say this last statement not to disparage those … Read More
Timeless Guidance for Men and Women in the Church
8 I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument, 9 also that the women should dress themselves in moderate clothing with reverence and self-control, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for … Read More
Pursuing God’s Heart in 2024
Happy New Year, Friends! 2 Timothy 1:3-18 is my favorite passage to meditate on as I begin a new year, partly because of the simple, memorable, three-point outline below.[1] In an effort to share it with you as clearly as possible, after some introductory remarks related to 3-5, I’ll offer some reflective thoughts and questions after each point and relevant … Read More
What I Learned from Gordon Lightfoot, 1 of 3
In honor of Gordon Lightfoot’s passing on Monday night at 84 (a year older than my dad), I’m reposting this first part of a three-part series I wrote in 2020. My deepest sympathies to his family, fans, and friends. And I’m so grateful my son Tim and I got to see him live last year on April 5th in Phoenixville, … Read More
God’s Normal M.O.
When we go through pain and difficulty often our default is to think God doesn’t love us or that we don’t have enough faith. Nonsense like this is associated with the Accuser of our souls and popular heresies like the “health and wealth,” or prosperity gospel. Contrary to these intrusive lies, here is what the Bible teaches: 1Therefore, since we … Read More
Why We Don’t Talk About Bruno or Money
You may or may not have seen it but “the Disney movie Encanto took the world by storm with its visually stunning animations and emotional music. The visual aspects of the movie propped up a powerful story of generational trauma… the movie features songs written by Hamilton genius, Lin-Manuel Miranda. One of those songs, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno,’ quickly … Read More
Mantua Creek’s Core Values
The folks above are my friends and the people I’m blessed to pastor in this season. This week I finished writing our church plant’s core values and I thought you’d find some of our priorities thought-provoking, challenging, or encouraging: To all who are weary and need rest,To all who mourn and long for comfort,To all who feel worthless and wonder … Read More
Learning from Eowyn
“Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves.” Laura Esquivel “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” Ferdinand Foch Much that I’ve struggled to articulate and steal back about God’s view of women and raising daughters is captured in an intriguing scene involving … Read More
Love’s Fiery Passion, Part 2 of 2
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, … Read More
Love’s Fiery Passion, Part 1 of 2
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, … Read More