When did the world get so angry? How did it happen so quickly? As we look ahead to a new year in 2018, we have some serious issues to deal with in the world of relationships － especially relationships in regard to race, religion, and politics. How did we get so full of frustration that the … Continue reading A Mad World
After Acts
What happened to Paul after Acts? On the surface, it appears that Luke left Theophilus (Acts 1:1) and other readers hanging by not fully concluding Paul’s life story in Acts 28. "Then he [Paul] stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God … Continue reading After Acts
Resolving Conflict
As we gather together this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, we begin the Holiday season that provides significant time with family and friends. For many, however, the extra time with people is not a time of celebration, but of significant stress because of unresolved conflict -- maybe even many years of it. The easy thing, the … Continue reading Resolving Conflict
church fights
It has been said that “church fights are the worst fights,” perhaps because they break out among people who profess to believe in unity and love. You name it, Christians fight over it. Sometimes the disagreements are over trivial matters, but often they are serious conflicts from different viewpoints. Many Christians have been so hurt … Continue reading church fights
Racism and Racialization
Most of the people I know are not guilty of racism, but many (whites) like me, and including me, are culpable of racialization - the collective misunderstanding of cultural position or unintentional misuse of power which causes racial division and results in diminished life opportunities for other racial groups. Racialization is so embedded within our … Continue reading Racism and Racialization
Music and Memories
Music helps us connect life experiences with past memories. We need older songs to help us remember God's Word and His faithfulness. At the same time, we also need new songs to make new connections. Words may challenge the mind, but music speaks to the heart. This morning while reading through Psalm 9, I was … Continue reading Music and Memories
Magnificent
O LORD, our God, how incredible is Your character and reputation throughout the heavens and the Earth. When I slow down enough to really think about who You truly are – I’m in awe. It’s amazing to consider all that You've done so easily and completely, and yet, You love humanity (me) as Your creation … Continue reading Magnificent
Honesty
Sometimes truth is harder to find than love. There is often an inherent lack of complete honesty even in the closest of relationships. Billy Joel sang about it, If you search for tenderness It isn't hard to find You can have the love you need to live But if you look for truthfulness You might … Continue reading Honesty
Raising Kids
“Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 This verse about parenting, like many of the Proverbs, is a general principle, not a guaranteed promise. Raising kids, like any relationship, can’t be reduced to a rigid recipe. It requires … Continue reading Raising Kids
What is the Meaning of Christmas?
Every year, millions of people around the world celebrate Christmas. But what does it all mean? What difference does it really make in our lives? Why should we care? Why do we need Christmas? What is the meaning of it all? Over the years, I've heard countless explanations for the meaning of Christmas and the … Continue reading What is the Meaning of Christmas?
following Jesus 