Yes, that God has “plans to prosper and not harm us” is the typical interpretation of this famous passage. But do you know what it says immediately before and after this verse? ♦ When our now adult daughter was 9-years old… Read More ›
Church
The Modern Christian Parent Trap
Are you trying to raise good, healthy, whole, wise, and productive children of faith? Beware of the real Christian parent trap. ♦ Many of us remember that classic Disney movie, The Parent Trap, starring Lindsay Lohan. Many old-timers may remember the… Read More ›
The Strange Lure of Socialism
Can a Christian be attracted to Socialism? Depends on what is defined as “Christian” and “Socialism.” Karl Marx, raised as a Christian, certainly strayed as a Christ-follower and as a productive human. ◊ Does anybody even care who and what… Read More ›
Praying for Teenage Children
It’s difficult being a teenager. How do we pray for them, really? Here’s an epiphany my wife and I stumbled upon that I believe changed our lives and the lives of our children. ◊ The topics of marriage and family are… Read More ›
Real Christianity for Today
Have we complicated Christianity beyond its basic elements, or have we over-simplified it? Have things gotten distorted along the way? Here are 2 keys to getting it right. ◊ It seems like there is some resurgence in Christianity these days. Now… Read More ›
Who Do You Really Serve?
Almost 3500 years ago, Joshua, the great successor to Moses, made this original call to action: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” People have been waffling ever since. ◊ Beyond political, social, regional and cultural allegiances, all humanity throughout history has been… Read More ›
Still a Light to the World
While the principles of America’s founding 250 years ago were right and noble, the ongoing spirit of a nation is reflected in its people. A nation that stays humble before God can still be a light to the world. ◊… Read More ›
We’re All Prodigals
We’re all prodigals at some level – reckless, selfish and rebellious. Regardless of who we are or what we’ve done, there’s good news in the popular story of a wayward child that gives hope and assurance to all of us. ♦… Read More ›
A Good Father Model
On Father’s Day, here’s a model of a good father. Not a perfect one, but a good one. Abraham, the one in the Bible, was normal and imperfect. An excellent good father model. ♦ If you had kids and went to… Read More ›
The Compromised Christian Life
Are we lowering our standards on Christianity? Are we getting comfortable watering things down? Forget the trends – what about your own life? Do you have a compromised faith? ◊ A friend told me recently that they like their church… Read More ›
Maturity or Evolving Truth?
We all accept that our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs develop and evolve over time. Yet is there absolute truth regardless of our maturity? Yes, absolutely. ♦ True confession: Through my college years and into my early twenties, I was Pro-Choice…. Read More ›
Good Deeds or Good Character?
“God’s probably not very happy with me. I need to work on my character and personal conduct. I really need to try harder to be a better person.” Right? Not necessarily. ◊ Are you a good person? What does that… Read More ›
