The Anchor Podcast

In this special mid-summer episode, I'm back to share a personal update on my ministry, book project and new album I'm recording. After a fascinating "Deep Dive" on one of my spiritual heroes, E. August Skogsbergh, I share a sneak peek of a new song. Enjoy!

In this episode, I announce the upcoming release of my latest book, "The Tale of the Grandfather Clock" dedicated to Mom and Dad who celebrate their 50th Anniversary this week! This beautifully illustrated picture book is based on a wedding parable I wrote years ago for a wedding sermon. Now it's available as a perfect gift book for the newlyweds in your life. To introduce the book, we turn to our friends Sarah and Doug who unpack it in their latest "Deep Dive" episode. Enjoy!

In this episode, I talk about my new vintage guitar and Sarah & Doug discuss a piece I wrote talking about faith, life, growth and old guitars. Enjoy!

In this episode I pay tribute to my Uncle Gary who passed away this week. About a month ago, I recorded some thoughts on an evening walk about Gary's humble service to his country church as a cemetery caretaker.

In this episode, I share stories and precious memories behind the classic country show I'm performing with my 10-year old daughter, Abby.

A springtime reflection on two gardens in Scripture, each with people falling asleep in them. We need to learn a lesson from both if we are to be faithful gardeners of God's New Creation today.

In this episode, I share a passing encounter with my high school cross country and basketball coach on a wooded trail one morning, and how his coaching wisdom to this now middle-age man was strangely in alignment with the Holy Spirit's whisper these days. Thanks, Coach!

A simple impromptu reflection from my morning walk on the trail. I share three types of people I meet on the bike trail. Which one are you?

This is a meditation I prepared for a room full of pastors on the topic of failure and the grace of God. I explore Peter's one-on-one "performance review" with Jesus in John 21, and the most important question of all. Enjoy!

Listen to last week's "Deep Dive" with Sarah and Doug who discussed this piece.

Our friends Sarah and Doug are back to unpack a recent meditation I prepared and shared at a recent pastor's conference. What quality matters most to Jesus for those serving in leadership?

This is a special Holy Week presentation of Jeremy's short story about the mysterious naked guy who runs off into the night at Jesus' arrest. With historical imagination and pastoral insight, Jeremy mines this story for timeless redemptive truths to savor and ponder this Holy Week. Enjoy and share with a friend.

This episode features a sermon on the non-human actors in the drama of Holy Week, and a foundational word about our human vocation as God's image bearers and co-rulers over God's groaning creation Jesus came to liberate that first Easter.

This year marks 20 years of hometown ministry for Jeremy, and today he shares a reflection on that journey. The gift of a red guitar for graduation signaled a transition from a childhood of chasing basketball success to an adult life of pursuing a Song to give life meaning and a Song to share with others. Enjoy!

Enjoy an excerpt from Jeremy's unfinished book about an imaginative trip with Jesus to the Father's lake cabin up north. In this chapter, Jesus takes Jeremy through the Father's bountiful vineyard and the neighbor's overgrown property hiding a toxic well.

In John 12, Mary fills the entire house with a sweet smelling fragrance. Meanwhile, Judas exudes a different aroma—a foul smell stinking up the dinner party. Let's begin the season of Lent by pondering the aroma our lives are giving off, and where to apply spiritual deodorant if necessary.

Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” poses profound questions about humanity’s struggles such as war and oppression. Its refrain suggests that answers are elusive—perhaps nearby or forever outside our grasp. I have begun to sing this song in a more redemptive key lately. Did Jesus reveal to us the answer that Dylan said was blowing in the wind?

You can tell a lot about the character of a leader and an administration by the company they keep and the people they have seated at their table. David's relationship with a cripple named Mephibosheth offers a timely lesson and challenge.

In 2 Samuel 6, David is moving the Ark of God to Jerusalem in a celebratory procession when the ox stumbles, the cart teeters, and Uzzah is struck down dead for mishandling God's holy presence. What timely lesson can we learn from this disturbing story?

I'm back...sort of...talking about my Bob Dylan tribute show, treehouse BnB retreat, King David and a heavy pastoral word on immigration.

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In the first of this 4-part Advent series, Jeremy dramatizes an original script that gets into the heart and soul of Zechariah as he went into the temple to offer incense at the altar only to have a surprise encounter. Enjoy!

In this episode I share a personal update on life, ministry, identity, seasonal depression, and my latest musical adventures!