When the road breaks open and unthinkable obstacles appear on the path, when innate ability and skill are erased and “No Way” is the biggest sign in the road, when risks feels like it’ll cost your whole soul, what then? Inevitably, storms hit, flip your whole world, and what was a smooth sail gets tossed like a toy...

It was a long day, and in wanting to care for their rabbi as well as dissipate the crowd, the disciples tell Jesus to send them into the villages to buy food for an evening meal. That’s when Jesus snapped...

You can’t say Jesus ever made it easy...He required challenge, debate and wrestling with his teachings beyond what makes you feel comfortable.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” The two seeds, good seed and the bad seed which would choke out the good seed, are permitted to exist side by side until end of the world....If you’ve read this parable story as one of God’s condemnation on the evil in the world, slow down. Be very careful....

“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16

If you push past some religious snobbery and gatekeeping here, Jesus’ parable about a farmer who scatters seed is going to be a real challenge on more than one level…. Anyone out there ever thinking, “I’m saved, I’m good,” ticket to heaven punched, you’re in, and that’s all you need? Then this parable is NOT for you

You’re either going to love it or hate it. And trust me, you’re not the only one wrestling with it. The Bible, Holy Scriptures, God’s Word, Gospel, or whatever name you want to slap on it, isn’t built for folks who want a warm blanket and a bedtime story...

It’s wild out there right now, one side screaming at another, the whole world split in half. You may be feeling if you don’t choose a side, you’ll get caught in the middle with both sides pounding you instead of just one. No lie. The world’s grimy, petty, and straight-up dangerous, no doubt about it. Jesus warned them…

Here’s a safe bet you won’t hear these words preached on Sunday. Even if Jesus did say them, they wouldn’t sit well for a sermon on Father’s Day. Nah, Pastors will be spouting, “Honor your dad,” those who have raised us to be good people, godly people, fathers who give so much of their life and love for their children.

Jesus, it’s like this. Some of us have to dirty our hands, pollute ourselves just to survive out here. If we don’t link up with folks who aren’t exactly saints, we get trampled on as ones who have no strength, no pull, no influence, no voice, nothing. So here’s the question: what do you bring to the table ...