His hands made us! Whenever I hear, “My body, my choice,” I cringe. This isn’t because of politics, though. It’s because it ignores the truth that each of us are created in His image and are called to seek and follow Him instead of living only for self. Elsewhere in…
There’s a common mindset that if the going gets hard, abandon it, because you deserve happiness. On the surface it sounds pretty good, but is it really? I would imagine an athlete would tell you the training that goes into being good enough to compete in the Olympics is hard,…
When I was a kid, my parents had a rule for my brother and me: no matter what other children were doing, we were to behave ourselves. Of course, they’d prefaced this with instruction on what they considered appropriate behavior, so there wasn’t any excuse when we chose unwisely. It’s…
HYMN DAY! “Come, All Christians, Be Committed,” by Eva B. Loyd is a call to both commitment and action. Come, all Christians, be committed To the service of the lord; Make your lives for him more fitted, Tune your hearts with one accord. Come into His courts with gladness, Each…
A little boy who was known for being ornerier than most dashed to his parents’ waiting car after school and flopped into the backseat with a huge grin. He cheerfully announced, “I had a good day today! I only got three time-outs instead of five!” Despite our best efforts, we…
We live in the information age. We are inundated with information—some of it accurate and helpful; some of it actually harmful misinformation. I used to tell my fifth graders, what is popular (socially accepted/lauded) is not always right, and what is right (moral) is not always popular. It’s been a…
A few years ago, my Sunday school class discussed how we can stand for right in a world that celebrates wrong. One of the younger members said, “Find friends who believe like you do.” Sound advice. It’s so much easier to be pulled down than it is to pull someone…
Oh, if only people hurried to do what He asks of us. No hesitation, no wondering if it’ll lead to ridicule or persecution, but simple obedience based on trust and respect. We live in a culture that creates hesitation when it comes to standing up for God and His commands.…
HYMN DAY! John W. Peterson was a very prolific song-writer, and “Shepherd of Love” is one of my favorites. The words are so encouraging! Our Shepherd is always waiting and willing to welcome us into the fold. (The second verse might be new to you.) Verse 1 Shepherd of love…
Have you ever seen a soldier do an about-face? It’s actually very impressive to watch. One deliberate, brisk movement that aims the individual in the opposite direction. This is such a great visual for repentance. When we know we’re going in the wrong direction, repentance turns the tide. It sets…
