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
Category: Spiritual Growth
A Quest for Confidence
Why am I such a coward when it comes to sharing my faith? That question has been rolling around in my head for the past several days. A convergence of three events—my own time in the Word, a missionary biography, and a missions conference at my church—have all got me pondering this idea of boldly … Continue reading A Quest for Confidence
How Do I Know You?
Typecasting—the fear and bane of every actor’s existence. I’ve never seen Margaret Hamilton in anything besides The Wizard of Oz, but if I did, she would still be the Wicked Witch of the West in my mind. Anthony Perkins as a leading man in a rom-com? Forget it. It would be like watching the psycho, … Continue reading How Do I Know You?
What Exactly Are God’s “Higher Thoughts”?
It’s one of those verses. Everyone quotes it, but few people know the reference, and even fewer people know the context. “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.” This line gets trotted out when things happen that we don’t understand. Don’t know why you can’t get a job? Well, … Continue reading What Exactly Are God’s “Higher Thoughts”?
Are You Living as a Citizen of Heaven?
Every flag hangs at half-staff as a constant reminder of the fractured state of our nation. For the first time in our nation's history, a President has been impeached twice. Tomorrow the world will watch as we inaugurate a new President who will face a set of challenges unlike anything since Reconstruction. In the past … Continue reading Are You Living as a Citizen of Heaven?
What Are You Pursuing in 2021?
Frank Abagnale, Jr. posed as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer as he traipsed across the country for free because of his brilliant—yet totally fraudulent—abuse of the American financial institution. And he did it before he turned 18. His story is told in print and on film, both works titled Catch Me If You … Continue reading What Are You Pursuing in 2021?
Looking for Joy? Abide.
With Christmas now in full view, car radios, iPods, and grocery stores will be reminding us of silent nights, peace on earth, and joy to the world. But is it possible that joy seems a little more distant this year? A little more like a pipedream than a reality? Perhaps for you, the doldrums that … Continue reading Looking for Joy? Abide.
Do You Ask Good Questions? 3 Reasons You Need To
Did you know that you cannot hear and understand a question and not at least think of an answer? Let’s try it. I’ll ask you a simple question, and you try not to think of an answer. Ready? (I bet you just answered “yes” in your head.) Here we go. When is your birthday? Without … Continue reading Do You Ask Good Questions? 3 Reasons You Need To
Shooting at the Wrong Basket: Three Ways Your Heart May Be Deceiving You About Your Spiritual Growth
It was the easiest basket she ever scored. Her teammate passed her the ball, and off she went down the court. She confounded the defense with her mad handles, and before they knew what had hit them, she was at the basket, scoring an easy two points. Everyone in the gym was shouting her name. … Continue reading Shooting at the Wrong Basket: Three Ways Your Heart May Be Deceiving You About Your Spiritual Growth
Scarlett O’Hara and Sacrifice
I’ve recently been reading Gone with the Wind, the great American novel set against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Though I’ve read it a couple times before, this time through has been a little different. The hardships of war have seemed a little closer to home, given the crisis affecting our world … Continue reading Scarlett O’Hara and Sacrifice