On Being Thankful
A good Christian is nothing if not thankful. Our example and savior, Jesus, demonstrated his thankfulness to God through his often prayers (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; John 11:41). The psalmist wrote: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1) “Sing praises to […]
Church and Government
It’s time to talk about the church and government. It seems we are confusing the two. As a result, many Christians are wringing their hands over a federal judge who decided to mandate same-sex marriage in Alabama. There are some facts we should keep in mind. The Church and Government Are Not the Same While […]
Of God and Birds
I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s care for his people. I get in a rush sometimes and forget just how important his care is to us. Nothing happens secretly. He knows our every care and struggle. That means volumes to me. As I write this morning I am sitting in our front room looking […]
No Fear
Life is a scary place. Unlike television shows which portray trouble real life is trouble. You cannot switch it off or change the channel. Life happens. Sometimes we try to deal with life issues by pretending they are not there. Denial. Maybe we put it off. Ignore it and hope that it will go away. […]
The Basis of Morality, Part 2
Last week, we discussed two possible sources for the existence of morality: law and society. In either case the resulting moral code is subject to change and to the vagaries of society. That which is wrong today is right tomorrow. All it takes to shift the moral code is a change of opinion on the […]
The Basis of Morality
Terrible. Awful. Horrible. Confusing. Evil. Five words heard all week describing the events in France. It is hard to find words that adequately describe the carnage and brutality produced by Islamic terrorists. In my circle of associates, I know no one who would support these murderous activities. Elsewhere in the news we hear of other […]
Resolved: 4 Simple Steps for 2015
Let’s do something a little different today. Let’s make 5 New Year’s resolutions that we can actually keep. I’m the worst at keep resolutions. If I make it to January 2nd it’s a big accomplishment. I want to do something different this year and commit to doing some things that I can really stick with […]
Desperately Seeking Vashti: Three Lessons from a Deposed Queen
Vashti was beautiful to behold but today is overlooked and stands in the shadow of Esther. We must give Vashti her due. Vashti is only mentioned in the first part of Esther. Yet she leaves a legacy worthy of imitation for women today. ((I know modesty applies to men too but Vashti is especially well […]
So Many People!
The United States hit a population milestone this year surpassing the 320 million mark. That’s a lot of people but it is still lives us a very distant 3rd in the global population race. Both India and China count 4 times more people in their borders than we do. Worldwide, there are now over 7 […]
What Now?
Christmas is history. Presents exchanged, meals prepared and much love exchanged by family and friends marked the holiday. All that remains is to pack away the ornaments, throw out the trash and wave goodbye to family as everyone returns home to begin a new year. It’s been busy. Among all the food, frivolity and fun, […]