It’s natural to think that our status, money, sincerity, good actions, and even acknowledgement of God and religious principles can earn us credibility and points in this life and beyond. ♦ A young and successful man of stature and faith seeks… Read More ›
Obedience
Running the Race to Win, Place, or Show?
The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. ♦ That line… Read More ›
Prodigal Sons, Daughters, and Parents
We’re all prodigals at some level – reckless, selfish and rebellious. There’s a good news gospel thread in the popular Bible story of a wayward child that gives hope and assurance to all of us whether a son, a daughter,… Read More ›
Modern Fatherhood – Good or Great?
It’s easy to be a good father, or so it would appear. But what does it really take to be a great father? ♦ On the heels of a Father’s Day weekend, it struck me that the bar for acceptable fatherhood… Read More ›
Walking in Moab – Lessons from Ruth
With 4 intriguing lessons, the Book of Ruth is a deeply touching story in its movement from sadness and tragedy to heart-warming kindness, love, redemption and personal restoration. ♦ This story reads well with a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day…. Read More ›
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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
Essentials for Grandchildren
As grandparents, it’s not simply that “you get to spoil them and then give them back.” It’s so much more than that. ♦ Now I get it. We really don’t fully grasp or appreciate the value and significance of being… 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 ›