Sometimes discretion truly is the better part of valor. Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you a fool rather than opening your mouth and removing all doubt. But sometimes we charge ahead in a quixotic attempt to prove an unprovable point. You don’t tug on Superman’s cape! When…

Sometimes the question is so loaded that it is obvious that it is no question at all. Do you think your taxes are too high? Do you think people ought to have the freedom to for a union? Should everyone be required to join the union? The desired answer is obvious. Then there are those…

We were on our way to a very nice restaurant with a large group of people. We were told that tie and coat were required for men, but one of the men in our group did had neither coat or tie. He was confident, however, that the restaurant would have a coat and tie he…

Wedding attire has changed over the years. I can still remember the near shock expressed by some fashion-conscious women the first time they saw brides maids wearing black. Now black is considered either chic or blase’ depending on your degree of fashion sophistication. But the issue of the man without the wedding garment is not…

There is something about this parable that is easily understood, but difficult to apply. When the king gives a party, you will want to attend it. That seems true on two levels. Who wouldn’t want to be at a party where the king’s resources, food, wine, and hospitality would be the fare of the evening?…

Why would you ever beat and kill a servant who is bringing an invitation to a wedding feast? I can understand being too busy for a wedding. I realize that not all people will be all that excited about attending a feast. But the only reason to kill a king’s servants is because you consider…

God’s investment in us, the church, and the world is no small investment. The beauty of creation, the insights, abilities, and accomplishments we have attained are all reflection of his creative glory. The freedom we have to live and move and rule the earth is a gift of his lovingkindness. Jesus’ parable describes extensive work…

Whether it is high voltage electrical lines, swift currents in a river, or grizzly bears: there are some things that ought to be feared. And although we fear them, we also recognize the benefits they bring when they are in their proper places. Electricity powers our cities. Rivers provide water. Wildlife adds beauty to our…

Sometimes the tease just isn’t good enough. Sometimes I change the station, or turn off the radio. But if the guest is particularly interesting, and I really want to hear the next segment, I’ll stay tuned – even through an interminably long commercial break. Trust Jesus on this one: He is coming back, and he…

When you invest your money you expect a return. When you spend your  money you expect to receive something of value in return. And while some might want to turn the tables to their advantage, you would not expect long to be in business if you never deliver the goods to the customer. Why is…