Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His ministry with the simple words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The next three years up until His crucifixion would be an expansion of why these simple words are so vital to man’s salvation. What does it mean to be poor in spirit, […]
A Tower of Weakness
Adam Savage once famously said, “Failure is always an option.” “Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish,” is a phrase many of us understand to be the first question on phone trees whenever we call into a utility or service. According to the BBC, there are currently around 7,000 languages being spoken somewhere in the […]
Highly Motivated
Tommy Lasorda said, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” We are all faced with different tasks we must do. These range from work, to our personal pursuits, to family, to community, and beyond. Many of these tasks are manageable and some are even enjoyable, but sometimes something comes […]
“Good” and “Not-So-Good” Body Parts
When we’re young, all our body parts “work,” and do so pretty well and without much effort or discomfort. Consequently, we don’t give them much thought, or put much care into their overall health maintenance and protection. But when we’re “not so young” (aka “old”), or when the weather changes or will soon do so, […]
A Sinful Snare: Gambling
Gambling continues to evolve in our online world. Not only can you go the traditional route and spend a few dollars for a lottery ticket or bingo card, several dollars for a raffle ticket (for a chainsaw, UTV, or pickup truck), and play poker at several machines in convenience stores everywhere, but now that events […]
“Entangled”
Paul told Timothy, “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:4-5). These words were written to a young […]
What a Bikini Taught Me About Modesty
Beauty and Fashion I bought my first bikini when I moved away from home. I grew up wearing tankinis and one-piece suits out of respect for my parents and the culture in which I was raised. When I went to college, the girls who were Christians that I knew didn’t share my conviction. They often […]
Faithful Roots and Wayward Branches
I’ve put this one off a long time, partly because I didn’t know exactly what to say. I was asked several months ago to write my thoughts of best guidance to parents (and possibly grandparents) whose adult children have never become Christians or have fallen away. It’s always sad to see a little kid, preteen, […]
The Devil’s Most Useful Tool
It was once announced that the Devil was going out of business and would offer all his tools for sale to whoever would pay his price. On the night of the sale, they were all attractively displayed. Malice, hatred, lust, envy, and all the other implements of evil were spread out, each marked with its […]
“Pleasing” Options
The word generally translated in the New Testament as “pleasing,” or in some cases “acceptable,” is the Greek term euarestos, and it means exactly that: pleasing or acceptable (as that which pleases). However, when it comes being pleasing there are three options that I’d like you to think about. First, will you please yourself? Surely […]