Many people view the Christian faith through the lens of an emotional experience. They make a decision to follow Jesus at a powerful worship service or at the end of a week of Christian camp. This is common and certainly our emotions play a part in our spiritual lives. But what happens when we are weary? How do we move forward in our faith when the feelings fade? Personally, I have experienced mul...

One of the most famous songs in Rock and Roll history is “I can’t get no satisfaction” by the Rollings Stones. It is an anthem of frustration. It voices the cry of so many people who try to find satisfaction in material possessions, sex or any means besides God. We see this fruitless search for satisfaction in most people. We see warnings in the ten commandments about having no other gods and no c...

In our culture it is interesting to note who is held up as a strong person. It could be the elite athlete, the bold politician, the person following their dream despite all obstacles. Culture tends to promote a radically individualistic, independent form of strength. In contrast, the Bible promotes a dependent strength. King David writes that “the Lord is my strength and my shield. . .” (Psalm 28:...

As Mother’s Day approaches I thought I would share a few traits I have learned from three remarkable mothers in my life--my mom, my wife (mother of our five children) and my grown daughter, mother of three. It's my hope to "honor moms" as God commands (Exodus 20:12).First, all these women believe Jesus is most important. All three live lives surrendered to Him. My mom made sure to read us the Bibl...

DEALING WITH GRIEFAll of us face loss at one time or another. We might lose a job, a marriage or even a child to death. Grief is the process or journey through which we heal and find wholeness again. The poster boy for grief in the Scripture is the man named Job. In a brief period of time he lost his children to death, wealth, health and the respect of his community. Most believed he must have don...