A Long Obedience In The Same Direction

I've been attending a men's small group a couple times a month for the past year or so.  Most of the time I really like it (which is actually surprising) but occasionally I find it frustrating.  Last night was one of those times.  One of the men, who has only recently joined our group, talked a lot.  And interspersed in his statements were ideas that sounded a bit like Trump was helping the USA become blessed by God again, God was using the current administration to help the church get bold again.  I just sat there and bit my lip.  Because I don't agree. But more than that, what makes me uncomfortable sometimes when I'm with conservative Christians is they say things as if "Everyone in the room automatically agrees with this position because we're all Christians."  As if there is a Christian answer to each thorny political question and all real Christians agree because the Bible obviously tells us what is right. The problem is, I'm finding that m...

Dear Dave, I heard the news today that you have an inoperable brain tumor.  At first I felt shock - almost clinical about the news.  Then all morning waves of grief washed over me as I thought about the terrible reality you and your family are staring down. But this is not about me and my feelings.  It's about you.  I started reflecting at lunchtime and through the afternoon about some of the ways you have influenced me since we first met in 2001, two days after the 9/11 attack. Where do I start.  I think of the transition I went through in 2007 from a burned out, depressed young pastor to the new director of Central Services.  You walked with me through that.  You probably wished I wouldn't step down, but you listened to my heart and you worked out a solution that was a win for me, and I hope for the Kingdom of God as well. When, after a couple of years, it was time for another transition as I stepped back into pastoring with caution, part time...