THE VIEW FROM UP HERE

read, bible

HOW I READ THE BIBLE

Bible reading may be hazardous to your faith! The more carefully you read the Bible, the more confused or discouraged you may become.  Already in the first two chapters we see contradictory details of creation.  Then all your Bible heroes turn out to be flawed people with...

help houston

HOW TO HELP HOUSTON

When we hear about disasters like the flooding in Houston from Hurricane Harvey, many of us would like to do something.  But then reality sets in.  We don't know what to do or who to trust.  Of course, scammers use these opportunities to line their...

aliens

ALIENS, DREAMERS AND EMPATHY

Many of the refugees we are helping in Jordan are not officially "refugees".  You see, a refugee is someone who has applied to the U.N. for "refugee status" because their home has no longer become safe. People who flee their country without entering a refugee...

Why would God live in a tabernacle?

TABERNACLE? WHY GOD CHOSE TENT LIFE

God gave Moses very specific instructions for building a tabernacle.  This portable sanctuary was the place that housed God's presence among his people.   In the holy of holies, God's private throne room, sat the ark of the covenant - a gold box that contained...

argument, fight, win, hate,

HOW TO WIN AN ARGUMENT

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, get this straight. Every person should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.  Human anger, you see, doesn’t produce God’s justice!  So put away everything that is sordid, all that overflowing malice, and humbly receive the...

white black stand together

CONFESSIONS OF A WHITE MALE LEADER

I am a white male evangelical Christian leader. Though I don’t usually think of myself in those terms, I am learning that others see me as representative of the dominant power group in our culture. When I am silent about issues that affect people in the...

Tent, Temporary, in-between time

TENT LIFE IS AN OPPORTUNITY!

Tent life is about transition. How do you make the most of the in-between time?   You left the Egypt of your slavery, but you’re not yet in the land of promise. Quitting your old job felt great. But now you need to find a new one. College is...

#blessed, blessed

#BLESSED

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are those who mourn,  for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."       Matthew 5:3–5 (NIV)   Who are the lucky ones?  Some people just seem...

choose

CHOOSE WISELY

How do you choose the right path?   How do you know your leaders aren't leading you astray?   13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the...

control people

How to control other people

Wouldn't it be nice if you could fix all the broken people in your life?  I mean, if they would just do what you want them to do, so much unnecessary stress could be avoided!  Even the ability to control your kids or your spouse would...