Paul writes his letter to Philemon asking him to receive Onesimus, to welcome him back.  We don’t know exactly what has happened, but there has been some rupture between Philemon and Onesimus, leaving Philemon inclined to do the opposite. We may safely assert a few other things about the situation Paul addresses, but I’d like to just […]

As part of their series of films, ESPN showed “The Marinovich Project” on Saturday night.  It told the story of Marv Marinovich’s aim of raising his son Todd to be an NFL quarterback. Everything about Todd’s life was oriented around this singular goal.  He achieved national prominence as a high school freshman, went to USC, […]

God our Father, you loved the world so much you gave your only Son to free us from the hated power of Sin and Death.  Help us, Father, as we wait for his return, and lead us to true freedom and life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and […]

I enjoy reading biographies and love hearing the life stories of others.  The twists and turns that lives take are always fascinating to hear about.  It’s also interesting and often instructive to hear how people process their experiences. I’ve found the “life reports” that older people have sent to David Brooks to be endlessly fascinating.  I’m […]

Certain public figures elicit strong opinions from all quarters.  Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Denver Broncos (who play the Bears this weekend, by the way), is a prime example. The facts: Tim Tebow’s team is 6-1 since he became the starter.  They were 1-4 previously.  He’s defied all predictions.  He’s got a terrible delivery and […]

Anthony Baker has an interesting article in Christianity Today on training children to embrace Christian discipleship and the life of the church. This is a topic that, as Baker notes, causes no small amount of anxiety among Christian parents.  We want our children to own and claim the Christian faith for themselves.  That’s something about which […]

We’ve been watching our usual Christmas movies over the last few weeks.  The other night, however, my boys wanted to watch “No Country For Old Men.”  I found it the perfect film for Advent. That may sound odd, but I say this because of its absolute lack of sentimentality, its unrelenting portrayal of the true […]

Cruciform leaders differ from worldly leaders in that they do not manipulate others.  This involves both means and ends. Cruciform leaders have ultimate aims to bless others, to give them life, to see to it that God’s goodness, love, and grace are always arriving into others’ lives. Worldly leaders, on the other hand, have selfish […]

Cruciform leadership is marked by a determination to live authentically and relate honestly.  Jesus-shaped, cruciform leaders don’t hide their weaknesses, inadequacies, and failures.  They aren’t self-promoting, they don’t seek power, and they don’t trumpet their strengths. Their ultimate goal is the blessing of others, the arrival of God’s transforming grace and overpowering love into their […]

Lord God, open our hearts to the joyful hope of this Advent season. As we prepare to enter the mystery of your Son’s incarnation, help us to recognize his presence in family, friend, and neighbor. In so doing, may we, like the shepherds of Bethlehem be ready to welcome him at Christmas. We ask you […]