I promise I’m not critical. I just happen to know how to do things the right way, and I want to use my gift of correct-ness to help others. Is that so bad? Actually, it is. And, actually, I am critical. From grammatical errors in the book I’m reading to what songs we should sing … Continue reading Prayer Requests for a Critical Heart
Category: Colossians
Stop Wearing a Mask to Church
Over the past several months, debates, discussions, and arguments over the topic of masks have become commonplace. Do they work? Do they not work? Should you wear one? Should you wear two? Should you respectfully disobey a government mask mandate? I’m not here to answer any of those questions (Hallelujah!). The masks I want to … Continue reading Stop Wearing a Mask to Church
Pray Attention
The grizzled, weather-worn football coach rose from his desk in the Driver’s Ed. classroom. He was about to impart knowledge. Maybe he was going give us the secret to passing our exam on the first try. Maybe he was going to let us go early. Maybe he was going to share his game plan for … Continue reading Pray Attention
Peace You Don’t Have to Imagine
“Imagine there’s no countries;It isn’t hard to do,Nothing to kill or die forAnd no religion too.Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say that I’m a dreamer,But I’m not the only one.I hope some day you’ll join usAnd all the world will be as one.” Those familiar words, penned by John Lennon … Continue reading Peace You Don’t Have to Imagine
Stronger Than Gorilla Glue
Each year the church I attend has a theme, a direction we choose to head for corporate growth. For instance, in 2019 the theme was “Growing Deeper,” so many of the ministry goals focused on taking us as a church deeper in our relationship with Christ than we had gone before. Another year the theme … Continue reading Stronger Than Gorilla Glue
The Unholy Trinity of Idolatry
Read almost any Christian living book from a Reformed perspective, and you’re almost sure to run across this line attributed to John Calvin: “Our hearts are a factory of idols.” This quotation is helpful because it tells us uncomfortable truth though an image of something familiar. Though Calvin knew nothing of conveyor belts and assembly … Continue reading The Unholy Trinity of Idolatry
Hopelessly Devoted to Shadows
My tenth-month-old son loves to gnaw a good string. Shoelace or hoodie, he doesn’t care. There’s just something about chomping on a string that puts him over the moon. Recently a pair of my tennis shoes was on the ground, and he tried to grab one of the laces. What he didn’t realize was that … Continue reading Hopelessly Devoted to Shadows
Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid
It was the greatest loss of American life in a non-natural event, an ignominious record that stood until September 11, 2001.* No, it wasn’t the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, or Atlanta. It happened in the jungles of Guyana. On November 18, 1978, as Congressman Leo Ryan arrived in South America to investigate the … Continue reading Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid
Expelliarmus!
If you're a Potterhead (like yours truly), you know exactly what the title of this post means; if not, allow me to explain. In the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, the spell to disarm an opponent is performed with the word Expelliarmus! and a flourish of one’s wand. When done correctly, this spell causes … Continue reading Expelliarmus!
Better than Sherlock
Confession: I don’t really like mystery novels. If you know me, that may come as a surprise. I think I seem the type. I like the idea of a mystery and occasionally read them hoping that this time I'll enjoy myself, but I inevitably get frustrated while reading because I read too fast and miss … Continue reading Better than Sherlock
Bible Study Nerd 