So much is wonderful about the Christmas season. In our tumultuous times the days between Thanksgiving and December 25th, known also as the season of Advent, are filled with miraculous softening of hearts and with extentions of grace, both large and small. You cannot say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” without a smile turning the … Read More
Sunday morning I got up, got dressed, went to church, and sat in my usual spot. My pastor preached about faith-the faith of Abram when God asked him to be willing to sacrifice his son, his only son, Isaac. Let’s be clear up front. God did not ask Abram to murder Isaac. He asked Abram to sacrifice … Read More
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives within me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 When I exercise, I play music at the highest volume. When I’m … Read More
the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13 I have two and half … Read More
What did we do before Caller ID? The phone rings. We decide whether or not we will answer. We are in control. The caller has no power over us. When God says the word “called” in the Bible, we might be tempted to assume the word holds the same meaning as our concept of “call.” But, that assumption … Read More
I watched Brian Shaw win the 2013 Strongman competition. Impressed by his colossal strength that staggered the boundaries of human possibilities, I listened to sportscasters describe his life and career: I was sitting at the bedside of my daughter, Amy, five foot three, ninety pounds, tiny hands, size five and a half feet, three years younger than … Read More
The 1st Amendment makes two guarantees: The Government will not establish a state church. Citizens are guaranteed the free observance of their religion. The New Testament explains in Romans 13:3-4 that the role of government is to punish evil deeds, reward good deeds, and render justice. There is no conflict between these biblical principles and the principle … Read More
The image of God distinguishes people from everything else in creation. The supreme value of the imprint of God in us far outweighs any other consideration when we determine our worth. An attack on any human being is tantamount to an attack on God Himself. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood … Read More
My earliest memory is sitting on the ground screaming and crying clutching my favorite skirt as my mother pried it from my hands to give it away. I loved that skirt. I wore it everyday. It was the closest thing to a security blanket I ever owned. In my little toddler mind I understood that letting … Read More
Hollywood is said to reflects the mores of society. The evolution of the family on television certainly attests to the changes in family structure in broader culture. In the earliest days of television, we entered the homes of traditional families like Father Knows Best, I Love Lucy, and Leave it to Beaver. Families … Read More