The title of the 2000 motion picture Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a translation of a Chinese idiom that “describes a place or situation that is full of unnoticed masters.”[1] Keeping one’s skills hidden is a classic aspect of Kung Fu lore. In legend, the person...
In his autobiography, Surprised by Joy, C.S. Lewis tells the story of how he came to know God. It was not a pleasant experience at first. As he became aware that he was being pursued, he described feeling like a mouse fleeing from a cat and said he was “perhaps the...
"Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew...
Oh, we will. Just not yet. For now, life on Earth weighs us down. As one of our own poets has said: Only the gods can watch the earth twist I’m physically trapped down on the surface[1] The reason for this is, of course, the pesky force of gravity. But did you ever...
Most Christians are likely saddened when we hear folks in our local fellowships speak with disdain about doctrine. It’s not uncommon for saints in our midst to miss the point of what doctrine is and, regrettably, to be unaware of its inherent value and goal. Properly...
Don’t Put God in a Box God in a box. We’ve all heard it. Don’t do it under any circumstances. Do not put God in a box! I get the sentiment, kinda. The saying seems to be trying to tell people, “God can do anything, literally anything. So don’t put limits on him. Let...
Pastor S glances at his boulder for a moment and then at the well-worn trail leading up the mountain. He shuts his eyes against the discouraging sight, leans his shoulder into the stone, and begins… A pastor needs to know theology. If he cannot obtain a Master of...
I am currently preaching through the life of King David in 1 and 2 Samuel. As every reader of the Bible knows, the stories of David are action-packed. His life was a bumpy ride with plenty of ups and downs (and downs and ups). He is often within a step of death. But...
I am a bi-vocational pastor, and for my full-time job, I am a plumber. I have been a plumber for just over eight years. One of the things you quickly learn as a plumber is how important it is to keep your glue joints clean. The glue used to seal together fittings and...
A Poem for the Triduum Paschal (Great Three Days)[1] Wisdom she shines, but misunderstood. Glorious plans for tomorrow. Impossible dreams come through sorrow. There is no other way. Servant he must not stray. Evil. Foul play. They slay. Three days remain, See Glory...