The worst time to join a gym is in January. They’re packed! Everyone’s working on their New Year’s resolution of getting in shape. But then if you wait a few months, they empty out once again. That’s the time to join a gym. Isn’t it funny that this is the way it is each year? It…
You’ve heard the loud, overpowering voices in your life. They’re the ones who question every decision you make – about parenting, career, relationships, and life. They’re the ones who criticize everything you do. They’re the ones who make you feel like less of a person because you don’t act or believe the same way they…
In high school, my youth pastor met with all of the guys in the group and asked us what we were looking for in a girl. His purpose was to help us set a high standard for a potentially mate as well as ourselves. When it came to me, my response made everyone laugh. “I…
You’re on Facebook. You just read an article about some pastor or Christian celebrity that made your blood boil. “They said what?!” “They did that?!” “They taught a whole congregation that heresy?!” You’re about to lay into them. About to put their errors on blast. But before you do that, I want to encourage you…
I’m always shocked when, right after Thanksgiving, people start talking about their dread of the Christmas season. I’m tempted to call them grinches, until a few days later I start experiencing things that make me want to hate the season too. But I’m determined to never despise this season. I don’t think you should either.…
As a kid, I was obsessed with the idea of buried treasure. There was a field near my house I used to bike to. And I’d spend hours exploring. Each uniquely shaped rock was a potential clue or hiding spot. I never found much real treasure aside from volcanic glass and cool looking feathers. But this…
If we were all honest, I think we’d realize Christianity has become somewhat of a whimpy religion – at least in America. I think it’s because we’ve lost a little of the fire. I’m responsible. You’re responsible. We’re all part of the problem. I think if we could have more of these three things –…
In Luke 2:14, the angels appeared to shepherds and made this bold statement: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” That was an echoing of a prophecy Isaiah made many years back, proclaiming that there would be a time of God’s favor on all…
Have you ever thought of the implications of John 15:16, where Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” We were chosen by God. That can feel like a scary thing, because we frankly don’t feel all that worthy all the time. (At least I sure don’t.) So why did God choose us?…
Many people dread the beginning of the Christmas season. People get grumpy. Traffic gets hairy. Plus the stresses and pressures of the holidays put people in bad moods. But I think we miss out on the hope of Christmas when we only look at the negative. I see three main things from the Christmas story that,…