[Pearls Episode 136:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] As we finish considering the Prodigal Son, from the perspective of the secular tastemakers, he was just born a few millennia too soon. The fallen world is rapidly moving to the position that you are not guilty of anything.  They’re not in agreement on why you’re not guilty, but they’re Read More >

[Pearls Episode 136:  Bringing the Lord’s Day into the week.] As we reflect on the Prodigal Son and forgiveness, we consider the connection between gratitude and forgiveness. We could paraphrase that great philosopher, Ferris Bueller, “It’s gratitude to God that makes it possible for people like us to tolerate a person like yourself.”  But we Read More >

[Pearls Episode 136:  Preparing for Sunday.] As we continue with the Prodigal Son, the title for today’s message is a bit tongue-in-cheek.   Scripture tells us everything we need to know about forgiveness and mercy, but not all of that is in the parable of the Prodigal Son.  That parable is just a small snapshot in Read More >

In this week’s episode of Pearls of the Interior Life, we look at some of the lessons of forgiveness and mercy that occur “off script” in the parable of the Prodigal Son. In my prior life as a consultant, I had a particularly tough New York client (redundant…).  Always pushing for more – do additional Read More >

[Ep 135:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] Tuesday’s post is usually of the “Answering Atheism” variety.  And today is no exception. In fact – this entire series has essentially been “answering atheism” – as we looked at how Jesus calls us to turn every last bit of our life over to him – our worldly concerns, our Read More >

[Ep 135:  Carrying the Sabbath into Our Monday.] We’re looking at Jesus’ challenging call to discipleship – the need to renounce possessions, to “hate” others, and deny ourself.  And we say that this parallels Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of physical security and comfort needs, our social needs, and our self-esteem needs. Jesus, in His call to Read More >

We’re looking at this Sunday’s Gospel (Lk 14:25-33) – and Jesus’ crystal-clear pronouncement of what it takes to be a disciple: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” “Whoever does not carry his own cross Read More >

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 14:25-33), Jesus lists plainly three non-negotiables – three criteria that must be met or else you “cannot be my disciple.” As it turns out, they match up closely to Maslow’s well known “hierarchy of needs.”  And in fact, they illuminate that hierarchy in ways that Prof. Maslow, the atheist, couldn’t Read More >

[Ep 134:  Answering atheism Tuesday.] What is the direction most often uttered by Steve’s GPS?  “Please make your next legal U-turn.”  I should probably change the accent of my GPS’s humanoid voice, say to a nice jaunty Australian, so it at least sounds better – “Aye mate, while you’re looking for the next chance to Read More >

[Ep 134:  Bringing the Sabbath into Your Monday.] We’re looking at the underlying message of the grace of humility, in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. Humility is a great gift.   But it can also be a challenging one.  As has been said, one of the most “dangerous” prayers is for humility. I recall being on retreat, Read More >