Lament isn’t a topic or genre where writers tread. But we need it. Mark Vroegop wrote a powerful book on lamenting, how to do it, why we need it, and more. Listen as Mark and I talk about the journey of writing this needed book.

Show Notes

Mark’s Book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obid...

Have you wondered why my podcast on writing is called “Home Row“? Well, wonder no more.

It hit me a few weeks ago that many listeners had no idea.So, here we go.

Well, what is the home row on your keyboard? It’s where your 8 fingers, 4 on the left and 4 on the right hand rest, kind...

You’ve seen the row of potted plants in the garden section of your local home improvement store. Row after row of flowers, succulents, bushes, evergreens. They are nestled together for hours. Rubbing shoulders for days.

But are they together? Are they connected? Not at all. Sure, they are next...

After writing Humble Calvinism, I should have seen this coming. But, I didn’t. My bad. I frequently get asked questions about Calvin, the person, and Calvin’s various views on things.

Let’s clear some things up real quick:

I’m no historian. Nor am I a church history buff....

It’s that time of year when you hear preachers say, “The Devil thought he won on Friday, but he didn’t know about Sunday!”

It preaches well. But I don’t think it’s true.

Painting a potential picture of the demonic realm rejoicing over the death of Jesus, only to...

Benjamin Vrbiceck’s new book, Don’t Just Send A Resume: How To Find The Right Job In A Local Church, is the kind of wisdom pastors need today as they look for work in the local church. Benjamin gives sage advice for...

My new book, Humble Calvinism: If I Know The 5 Points But Have Not Love…, is now available.

Humble Calvinism isn’t an oxymoron. It’s no mythical being like Nessie or Big Foot. A humble Calvinism is the only real Calvinism. Everything else is a sham; a misunderstanding of the...

I wasn’t sure why my friend invited me to breakfast. Walking up to the locally loved but overrated breakfast spot, I noticed another friend, John, an older mentor, was here too. Hmm, why’s he here. I joined them at the booth, ordered coffee, and it happened.

“Jeff,” John...

If you haven’t seen Gillette’s video on the epidemic of toxic masculinity that exists in the USA—and the world—watch it. It’s a solid 1:48.

We’ve heard their tagline for years, “The Best a Man Can Get,” and like many company slogans, it reaches higher...

Life is loaded. Add up the ingredients of a routine day: getting kids ready for school, packing lunches, getting ready for work, traffic, co-workers, projects, meetings, helping with homework, kids extracurricular activities, exercise, church functions, and more. And this recipe alone doesn’t...

It’s hard to read the whole Bible in a year. Some of it is tough sledding. And if you aren’t familiar with all of the terrain, it can be daunting. But don’t give up.

Many people try to read cover to cover in 365 and run out of gas along the way. They don’t give up on reading...

I didn’t write as much as I wanted on my blog this year. Sigh. But I did write a book. Humble Calvinism: If I Know The 5 Points But HaveNotLove… was my canvas, my stone block, the grizzly I wrestled for most of 2018. Early mornings, late nights, and pockets of time on planes were...

Moses is a mixologist.

Back in Exodus 32, Moses takes that Aaron-crafted golden calf, the one worshiped by the Israelites, and he smashes it into a powder.

Get this scene in your eyes.

There’s Moses, after smashing the tablets with the Law on them, he drags the golden calf to a place where...

When’s the last time, as an adult, you paid attention at a kids birthday party? A youngin’ not your own?

As grown ups, we aren’t found as frequently on the trampolines that can bounce us into a major knee surgery. We aren’t hanging from obstacles and giggling over the 1,200...

Studying the Final Things, the End Times, and the Eschaton can get confusing. So much jargon, spooky scenarios—an Anti-Christ, 666, stars falling from the sky, etc.—and so many charts.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There is a reason why there are charts galore. They help...

Did you know I host a podcast on writing? I never thought anyone else would listen to it. But, you guys, I’m so encouraged by the emails and tweets, and even handshakes at conferences, from listeners. Thanks for listening. You are the reason I keep it going.

If you didn’t know I host a...

Bullies are the worst. When I see a kid being picked on by a bully, I barge in and confront the punk—even if it’s at the Chick-fil-a playground. (Yes, I really did confront a bully in the playground.)

Church bullies are just as sinister. I can’t stand it.

Church bullies love to...

“‘Teacher,’ they said to him, ‘this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’” 

(John 8:4–5 CSB)

The Bible Belt often presents a Jesus that is foreign to the faith once for...