I am wearing a t-shirt today that has the words ROOTED across the front. I got the shirt in Kenya, Africa. It reminds me that our lives can be rooted (attached and anchored) to many things. But, the best I could ever root my life and grow from is my...
I don’t really like when someone says: “You know, we are ALL CHILDREN OF GOD”. Its a pretty sentiment, but quite untrue. One thing I know I have in common with every other person is that I am flawed and sinful. At the same time...
There was a series of movies about magicians or illusionists who were like modern day Robin Hoods, returning ill gotten gains from rich people to others. People watched their performance but didn’t see what was really going on,… taking...
During the summer, when we were young, my brothers and I would walk along a fairly often traveled road and look for used coke bottles and cans that could be redeemed and recycled. A coke bottle could be redeemed at the grocery store for five cents...
You hear the word “bless”, “God bless you”, and of course in the South “bless her heart. We have a saying in our church “we are blessed, to be a blessing!” So just what does it mean to be blessed and...
I love the Red Bull motto- “Red Bull Gives You Wiiiings”. It reminds me that the Spirit of God, when allowed control of my life and that of any believer, can “fly” (live as God intended) exhibiting the character of Christ and...
It is really amazing the way that God made us. Our God-given conscience is so powerful and always at work. In one moment we enjoy the freedom afforded us that allows us to live, love, and laugh without guilt, shame or remorse in perfect harmony with...
When it comes to my faith, I am on the “grace plan”, not the “keep the law” plan. One plan sets free, the other enslaves. And in a counter-intuitive way, the grace plan produces obedience and spiritual growth. I am not saying...
Remember the lyrics “I fought the law and the law won”? I have a built in sense of fairness. You do too. All of us have said the words “that’s not fair”. In doing so we are appealing to some universal sense of right and...
Back in the 1970s and 80s a bunch of Christians had a hand sign with their index finger pointing up to heaven. It meant “One Way”. There is one way to be saved- the grace of God. It was a contrast for those who would claim heritage, or...
There are social studies and surveys that say people in the United States are leaving the faith. At the same time, it appears that young men are embracing the faith. I have been a Christian for 46 years. I still affirm that the best decision in my...
I give a fair amount of time to introspection. I am aware of my shortcomings, especially in this busy season of life that has significant demands and challenges. I take to heart the closing words of the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth who adds...
I have some wonderful things about me, and some weaknesses too. I imagine that’s true for everyone. God’s grace is hopefully evident in both. I really have nothing to boast or brag about. The great apostle Paul was the same. He pointed...
Recently, I was traveling on two mission trips. I met some modern day heroes for the cause of Christ. Some run schools or orphanages. Others run deaf ministries, or build water wells. Their stories of struggle and hardships overcome by faith and...
I live on “Church Row”. On Ontario Ave. in my hometown there has to be no less than 10 churches. Maybe the zoning commission thought that was a good idea, I don’t know. But, its almost like you can drive and shop for your favorite...
“Share with your sister!” How often have you said that or heard that? Usually a reluctant child obeys and grudgingly gives the ‘smaller’ half of a treat to their sibling. Sharing our wealth with others is hard because it tugs...
Years ago I was driving through the desert listening to the radio and the station was playing what it called “great tapes” (I think you get the era). They would play great preaching messages. And what I heard was so profound it caused me...
I am fairly aware of my imperfections. If my life were likened to clay pottery… There are “cracks” in my otherwise stellar character (just kidding about being stellar). The fascinating thing is that when my sin, failure and...
I occasionally write cards and letters to friends to encourage them or prayer for them. Isn’t it nice when you receive a letter in the mail? It might be from a grandparent or a girlfriend. There is excitement in reading the thoughts of another...
I like the smell of my roses in the backyard. I like the smell of bacon. Did you know that some people like the smell of gasoline? I guess we have different “tastes” when it comes to aromas. I think we can have one of two reactions to...
My life thus far has been relatively absent of great distress and suffering. Oh, sure there has been a bit. I have been with others who have faced the unimaginable (loss of a child, cancer, homelessness). In times of great pain, God promises comfort...
Have you noticed that sometimes the best encouragement or advice comes at the end of a letter or sermon. I feel like that is the case with Paul’s letter to the people in Corinth. He addresses all sorts of concerns, reminds them of the...
I was having lunch with my son. He observed me taking my hearing aids out, setting my glasses on the table, and then he saw the retainer with a false tooth. “Dad, you are falling apart!”, he said. Its true. The worst part is that I used...
I think we have all heard the term “first and foremost”. We invoke it to recalibrate priorities. With all that happens in life and the world, every once in awhile its good to remind myself what is “first and foremost”. For me...
I am in court fairly often. More than I would like. There is decorum, order, and protocol. The same is true in the church. I look forward to attending and participating in the gatherings at my church. Its been my “home” for over 40 years...
The apostle Paul emphasized love above all. When I look at diamonds, I think it is the many facets that what makes them shine. In the same way, when I look at love, its not just ‘one thing’ that shines. It’s the many expressions of...
I remember reading a book by the title “The Body Dynamic”. In it, pastor John MacArthur emphasized how God has made the members of the Church each unique in our interaction with each other. Each (just like body parts) are essential and...
I see a lot of these little plastic Jesus figurines in various places these days. They are kind of cute reminders. I don’t think they are idols, just reminders that we have a God who loves us, a Savior who purchased us, and the abiding...
My wife is a “trad wife” in some ways. She and I have developed some traditions within our family. We like to take everyone out for dinner on anyone’s birthday. Sushi seems to be a favorite recently. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and...
A long time ago, I had a conversation with the youth pastor with whom I volunteered in ministry. For whatever reason, he was thinking out loud and asking “if I weren’t paid a salary by my church, would I still preach and minister like I...
I like to eat a good sizzling ribeye steak cooked medium. Oh!!! Better yet, if I bought it from Vons on the day the meat manager discounted it by 70%- I feel like a king with a shopping victory to bring home to my wife. Food doesn’t...
Sometimes as a preacher/pastor I might begin a sermon with a strange “on ramp”. I might say something provocative that captures everyone’s attention. I think that’s pretty common amongst public speakers in general or even...
I love helping people. That’s probably why I have been a pastor for many, many years. Later I went to school to be an attorney so I could help people in other ways. Participating with God in both of these vocations is very rewarding. But, I do...
I remember when my buddy David got his license to drive. He is six months older than me. My dad let us drive an MG sports car home from orange county. The feeling of freedom was amazing as we cruised on Beach Blvd. and then the freeway (hoping some...
My body can’t do the things it once did. Anyone else feel that way? When I was young, I could run without stopping… I seemed to never get tired. That’s not true today! I realize that this body is subjected to futility, its fragile...
Have you ever heard someone receiving praise from others, say “I give God all the glory”? Athletes do it in interviews. And they mean it. We all should say it because for a Christian, it is God who gives us the abilities, energy, and...
My wife is a bit more of a rule follower than I am. I’m not saying I ignore instructions or drive my car like mad max. There is safety in rule-keeping. But there is freedom and a greater glory in living a Spirit led life. Its more dynamic to...
“Husen, You Stink!” Those are the words my brother Jimbo and I would hear from our beloved coach Gallardo if we dropped a pass during football practice. Both Jim (Dr. James Husen Jr. to his colleagues) were wide receivers. He was number...
I heard about an older adult who was swindled out of a large sum of money. Sadly, a thief had taken advantage of her because she was of a generation that was far more trusting. None of us wants to be taken advantage of. As Christians, the enemy of...
When I was in Junior High our basketball team won 16 of our 17 games. The only game we lost was to a Catholic school which pretty much had full grown men (Lol). Every half time speech by coach Robles ended the same way. After he corrected our...
I find myself wondering “How do people who don’t have an abiding faith in God make it through life?” If you live long enough and you will experience heartache, disappointment and even the loss of loved ones. What do you do? Where...
I love to hear stories of bravery and heroism or people who endured for a cause. I had a teacher who called that “stick to it iveness”. I try not be a person who easily gives up,… and I want my grandkids to be the same. In the...
When I was a kid we used to catch honey bees in our hands (we called them H bees). I can’t remember them ever stinging me. I know they could and some of my friends did get stung. In the same way, those who put their faith in Christ will not...
My mom was that fun-loving Catholic girl who attended parochial school, had stories about the nuns,… classic. She was likely baptized as an infant as I was. But, for most of her adult life didn’t really attend Mass. Later in life, her...
A song topped the charts in the 70s. It was written by Warren Zevon and sung by Linda Ronstadt. A real catchy tune with the lament “poor, poor, pitiful me” because a girl longed for a satisfying relationship, but just couldn’t find...
I have a confession to make. Don’t think less of me! I don’t really know any Taylor Swift songs. Sorry. I am many years now from being a teenager when songs on the radio were everything. But… one song of hers I played today called...
Growing up I was aware that there is an IQ Test (Intelligence Quotient). I don’t think I ever took that test. Probably good because I don’t think my score would be worth sharing. Interestingly, my wife’s dad was a Mensa genius with...
My friend Luke once taught math as a junior high school teacher. He suffered an allergic reaction which was so severe he was in a coma and when he awoke, he had forgotten everything (his wife, how to eat, and yes… how to do ‘long...
I have sixty three years of experience (yes, I am old… well at least older). I have some skills (not saying I can hack a canoe out of a tree). And I have some gifts (the Bible calls this charisma). A spiritual gift is bestowed by God to...
In the 70s when I was in junior high, the cool guys wore long hair down to our shoulders, sometimes parted in the middle and feathered. Thank goodness those days are gone and my wife persuaded me to part on the side! My kids have always preferred to...