The origin of any institution should be understood and even studied as it provides insight into initial intent, power and heart, regardless of modern deviations from its roots. ♦ In the initial days following the ascension of Christ (40 days after… Read More ›
Devotion
So Really…Why Do Bad Things Happen?
Death, poverty, suffering, evil, war. Set-backs, trials, accidents, tragedies. If God is so good, why does He allow bad things to happen? Does He control this world? Does He even care? ♦ An innocent 9 year-old girl is plowed into by a 240 pound errant… Read More ›
God and Vocational Direction
It wasn’t until my mid-40’s that I awoke to a deeper understanding of full surrender in the area of one’s vocation. ♦ Many years ago a pastor at our church speaking to a group of men on the topic of… Read More ›
Fathers Love and Wound Best
Sometimes significant past damage has been done to otherwise full functioning individuals who cannot even themselves recognize the depth and impact of their wounded heart. ♦ If there is a recurring theme in Christianity it’s that “we are all sinners.” Yes,… Read More ›
Tithing and God’s Grace
This matter can be a turnoff, guilt trip, or legalistic compulsion. Consider the pressures and mixed messages on this highly personal and controversial topic. ♦ The topic of tithing makes many people uncomfortable. From the pulpit to the pew it’s a subject… Read More ›
Yesterday, Today, and the New Year
A year winds down and another starts immediately. What did we learn yesterday that helps us today and prepares, or even leads us, to tomorrow? ♦ We’re still in the bubble or even afterglow of the Christmas season. We have… Read More ›
Merry Christmas – Believe It or Not
Whether people honor the birth of the world’s savior or celebrate a secular culture’s happy holiday season, it’s Christmas nonetheless and a time of reckoning. ♦ In a casual conversation she initiated about religions, I once asked a young Jewish coworker what she… Read More ›
Christian Holiday Drift
The birth of Jesus was fraught with uncertainty, danger, fear and hardship. It worked out well in the end. What about our own lives? ♦ When you think about it, most people associated with the very first Christmas had very… Read More ›
Nehemiah the Comforter
While the Book of Nehemiah is a historic display of leadership and God’s love, blessing and protection of His people, it is also a symbolic representation of how the Holy Spirit works to rebuild and restore the brokenness of the… Read More ›
Pilgrims’ Process
Acknowledging that their purpose was to glorify God, the Pilgrims had a clear vision and staked their very lives on following it. ♦ I heard some late night comedy shows conduct “Man on the Street” interviews about Thanksgiving. Some people… Read More ›
Mentor Max
Mentoring is common in circles of business and faith. Max Rondoni was a mentor to me on biblical study and personally walking with Jesus. ♦ It’s been almost 5 years since I last spoke to Max. For almost 20 years he… Read More ›
Punting to Win
Losing is winning in the Christian faith. Are you willing to lose for the sake of Christ? ♦ In sports, a punt is a kick in which the ball is dropped from the hands and kicked before it touches the ground. In the context… Read More ›