This Sunday is the official beginning of Advent. Advent means “arriving,” and is the celebration of the coming of Jesus. During the four weeks of Advent, we will be lighting candles on the Advent wreath, which is full of traditional symbolism. In case you’re less familiar with these traditions, here’s a brief overview. The … [Read More…] December 3, 2023
On this Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve been reflecting on some of C.S. Lewis’ meditations in his Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer. He writes of how life’s little pleasures should spark gratitude in us which leads eventually to adoration. Here are some excerpts: “[We] shall not be able to adore God on the highest occasions … [Read More…] November 26, 2023
Our Thanksgiving Offering is an amazing way to make Kingdom impact each year. This year’s offering will go toward planting churches in Cuba and Turkey, as well as providing a compassionate response to the migrant crisis here in Chicago. Please pray about what the Lord would have you give! I want to encourage you … [Read More…] November 19, 2023
Greetings to you from Southern Brazil! Pastor Bill Van Tuinen and I have privilege this week of visiting with Lee and Regina Bloch, long- term missionaries of The Moody Church. We are experiencing their ministry up-close and in-person this week. We’re meeting with local pastors and church planters. I’m preaching at a couple different churches. … [Read More…] November 12, 2023
Whenever the calendar turns from October to November, my heart shifts toward Thanksgiving. As a culture, we often rush past Thanksgiving to embrace the merriment of Christmas. As much as I love Christmas, I think that is a huge mistake. Spontaneous gratitude is one of the most obvious characteristics of a healthy soul. Gratitude … [Read More…] November 5, 2023
Reformation day is just around the corner. While our kids are going door-to-door collecting candy, it’s important that we not forget that over half a millennia ago, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. Luther intended to start a theological dialogue, but … [Read More…] October 29, 2023
It’s that time of year again! Operation Christmas Child launches today. Over the coming weeks, we’ll fill hundreds of shoeboxes with gifts to send to children around the world with the good news of Jesus! In Ecuador a few year ago, I got to see firsthand the joy these gifts bring to children. Families … [Read More…] October 22, 2023
You may have seen the “Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel” a number of us released this week. I’ve shared it below, in case you missed it. Please be fervent in prayer. In the wake of the evil and indefensible atrocities now committed against the people of Israel by Hamas, we, the undersigned, unequivocally … [Read More…] October 15, 2023
This past week we’ve been celebrating the birthdays of two of our former Senior Pastors here at The Moody Church. On Sunday, October 1st, Pastor George Sweeting celebrated his 99th birthday! I had the joy of speaking with him and his precious Hilda on the phone. We reminisced about his days as Pastor here … [Read More…] October 8, 2023
Autumn has long been my favorite season. I love the crisp breezes, crackling leaves under foot, and the smell of fresh apple cider. There’s something nostalgic and reflective to this season that I find delightful. I reread William Shakespeare‘s 73rd Sonnet this week, which is a meditation on the fall season, and I thought I’d … [Read More…] October 1, 2023
