Speaking the Truth in Love

The Apostle John introduces us to the beautiful life of Jesus with words that are at the same time simple and profound: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later in chapter one, he writes: “The Word became flesh and made...

Deeper Issues Facing United Methodism

Whenever a therapist listens to a hurting family, there are always presenting issues and the deeper issues. Fourteen-year-old Timmy is cutting class and piercing body parts, and sixteen-year-old Suzy is not coming home at night and when she does, there’s alcohol on...

Spirit and Courage Like Peter Cartwright

One of the great preachers of early Methodism was named Peter Cartwright. During the first two decades of the 1800’s he preached along the growing American frontier, and he didn’t pull any punches. In October, 1818, he was preaching a revival in Nashville. As the...

Clothed in White

Several years ago I was with a couple in my office when I heard a knock on my door. I was surprised. It was late on a Sunday afternoon and no one was at the church but the couple and myself. The lights in the reception area were off and I certainly wasn’t expecting...

Hope in India

I am writing this from the cool climes of Colorado, 9000 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. It sure beats the 100 plus degrees of Houston, Texas. But my heart isn’t in either Colorado or Texas. It’s in India. I spent the first ten days of August in that...