Author Archives: luke

Eye Contact

Posted on September 7, 2010 by luke

There’s something shocking in Song of Songs. I know, that’s kind of a commonplace these days. “Song of Songs says things you’d never believe were in the Bible.” For example, one of my favorite parts of scripture is Song 7:7-8, … Continue reading →

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A famous preacher

Posted on September 6, 2010 by luke

Buried amid all the stewardship material in 2 Corinthians 8-9 is this little tidbit in verse 18: With Titus we are also sending one of the Lord’s followers who is well known in every church for spreading the good news. … Continue reading →

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Vacation Winding Down

Posted on September 1, 2010 by luke

Today, our vacation starts to wind down. We’re going to hike around Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite. We’ve had a great time at the beach, Disneyland, San Francisco, and the Marin Headlands. I’m looking forward to being back at church on … Continue reading →

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“A little help!”

Posted on August 4, 2010 by luke

The NRSV has a strangely bland translation of Romans 15:24: when I go to Spain. For I do hope to see you on my journey and to be sent on by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a … Continue reading →

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What Do You Want From Life?

Posted on July 28, 2010 by luke

“What do you want from life?” Everyone answers that question differently. What I mean is this. Everyone wants to be happy. There are things we want to accomplish. We want financial security. We want to be in relationships with other … Continue reading →

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Pastoral Tensions

Posted on July 27, 2010 by luke

My reading plan brought me two verses this morning that highlight a tension pastors must maintain. The first is Paul’s well-known call to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ: But how are they to call on one in whom they have … Continue reading →

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Home From My Retreat

Posted on July 24, 2010 by luke

What do you call it when you come back from a retreat? — an attack? Well, technically, I wasn’t on a retreat. I was at the 2010 Academy of Missional Preaching (Southwest). But it was held at the Serra Retreat … Continue reading →

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Jim Collins on Excellence in Church Employees

Posted on July 21, 2010 by luke

I happened on an excellent session from Catalyst 2008 with Andy Stanley interviewing Jim Collins about keeping employees who are a poor fit in a position. Andy says that churches are all about mercy — so sometimes, out of compassion … Continue reading →

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Desert Hills’ Centegenarian

Posted on July 16, 2010 by luke

Today is the first day of our eldest member’s second 100 years: Jack turned 100 yesterday. (See the article at the Hi-Desert Star.)

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Apparently We Don’t Believe Anything

Posted on July 15, 2010 by luke

Another problem with the new PC(USA) web site: apparently we don’t believe anything anymore. Or, if we do, those beliefs are carefully hidden. Now, I’m on record as liking the new look of our denomination’s website. And I’ve already commented, … Continue reading →

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