Dietrich Bonhoeffer, yes, THAT particular DB (look him up if you don’t know) — “Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.” Spend a moment with me in self-reflection, self inventory, self analysis, whatever you’d prefer to call it. Take another such moment. Is that statement of his True or…

While authorship seems uncertain, all else is clear —- Why I am United Methodist Because we see flowers where others see weeds. It’s all about grace and seeing people as children of God; it’s not about “us” and “them”, and a God that needs defending, but a world that needs to be loved. It is…

Well, yeah— The thief must stop stealing; instead, he should make an honest living by his own efforts. This way he will be able to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28) — that’s pretty clear. But the very next verse takes it way farther…or maybe closer — Let no harmful language come from your…

Jim Palmer says —- 11 things one could appreciate about Jesus, whatever you believe about God: Jesus…. both affirmed what was good, and vehemently condemned the abuses of his religious tradition. taught that love is and should be the ultimate fulfillment of all religious teaching. pointed out the hypocrisy of claiming to be a holy…

With gratitude to Stan Copeland for this perspective —- Who Really Speaks for African United Methodists—“R”hetoric. It is the last day of the historic General Conference of the United Methodist Church. It has been historic in laying the foundation of truly being a worldwide church that stands on the solid rock of our ongoing missional…

COPIED from John Maxwell —- “I was very fortunate. I learned about the power of good thinking early in life. My father required all three of his children to read for thirty minutes every day. Sometimes we choose what we read but often, he selected the reading materials for us Two of the books he…

With gratitude to Owen Ross for this perspective —- In 1946 some Bible translators interpreted some ancient words and introduced the word “homosexual” in Holy Scripture. Serious Bible Scholars have debated since 1946 the accuracy of this term for words first written over 2000 years ago. While debate continues over how to interpret these verses,…

Just gotta. Spelled forwards I’m what you do every day, spelled backward I’m something you hate. What am I? I’ll give you a moment. OK, even two moments. Spoiler alert! The next sentence will be one word long, and it’s the answer to that riddle. Live. Spelled forward words, it’s one thing, spelled backwards it’s…

First, a review — Ryan Holiday, the author of 15 books, including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic, Conspiracy and Stillness is the Key, calls himself a professional reader.“ That’s really what authors are. A book is made of books.” Some reading rules he has followed over the years:…

“The Church is the Church,” wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “only when it exists for others.” Easy Question: True/False? Essay Question: How are we doing?