Very few people enjoy hardships. As a matter of fact, we do all that we can to avoid them. We purchase insurance policies so that when difficult times come, the losses we suffer won’t be as bad. We also avoid unnecessary risks because they may lead to unnecessary hard times. But, if there is a […]
Christian Living
For Those Who Hurt at Christmastime
Every year, at around this time, I post a message very similar to this one. I just have a sense that it’s a message worth repeating. The Christmas holiday season is certainly an exciting time. Shopping, baking, decorating, parties, and visiting are just some of the things that many of us enjoy this time of year. […]
Trying to Understand #Ferguson
Like the rest of the nation, I watched the grand jury’s announcement on television last night. I listened to the reciting of facts and testimony that had been examined. In my way of thinking the process should be fairly straightforward. If the physical evidence from that tragic day and the eyewitness testimony supported charges being filed against […]
Why I Am a Believer
This question was originally raised as a topic of discussion in our Sunday School class. However, it has been something that I routinely address during Bible studies at the jail. I address it often because the constant change in jail population brings new faces – men whom I haven’t met yet. Therefore, I find that I […]
Does God Speak Through Dreams?
After a series of particularly troubling dreams, a young man recently asked me the above question. He was wondering if God was trying to say something to him and what that message might be. I told him that I didn’t feel qualified to answer the latter part of his question, but would be happy to […]
Assisted Suicide and the Grace of God
On Saturday, Nov 1, 2014, Brittany Maynard ended her life at her home in Portland, OR. She had taken her own life by an overdose of barbiturates under Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act. Given only six months to live, after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, she chose to end her life on her […]
My Testimony – My Story
At a recent men’s Bible study we talked about our testimonies – our stories. As an exercise, we took turns sharing our stories of how we came to faith. I believe it is important for us to think through our testimonies and be able to readily share them. They are powerful and oftentimes, through the sharing of our […]
Does the Immaterial World Exist?
Although there may be some who subscribe to the view that the physical, substantive world around us is just an illusion, it is probably safe to say that most of us would agree that the material world exists. I believe it is generally apparent that we have bodies that take up space and we are […]
When I Fail At Ministry
Sometimes I fail at ministry. I have the Scripture selected and know it intimately; I can exegete it flawlessly. I’ve selected each song that we will sing and, with perfect precision, have tuned my guitar. I have mapped out my time with the inmates and know what ground I hope to cover with them. […]
There’s No Need to Worry
You have problems. Lots of them. You have financial pressures. You have health issues. You have problems in your relationships. You have concerns over loved ones. You have so much going on. You have very good reasons to worry, right? Excessive worry is a serious problem. It can lead to health issues such as […]