My son hates math. And I totally get it. I do too. But the weird thing is, as much he hates it, he's actually fairly good at it. When he tries. And therein lies the problem--most of the time, he simply doesn't want to try. Let me give an example of a typical afternoon in … Continue reading The Most Loving “No”
Jesus
Choose Joy
Mother Teresa once said that "the best way to show our gratitude to God is to accept everything with joy. Never let anything fill you with sorrow that forget the joy of Christ risen." This sentiment seems in direct opposition to our culture's mantra today. Our world doesn't believe in choosing joy; instead, it demands … Continue reading Choose Joy
I Need Help
So, I have a little problem. Okay, it might be a big problem. My problem is that I *hate* asking for help. (Please, can I get a few 'amens' from the peanut gallery here so I know I'm not alone?) My father was a typical, burly Midwestern "man's man," and he raised his daughters to … Continue reading I Need Help
Is It Worth It?
Following Jesus is hard. Even as an adult Christian, I find a life of obedience extremely difficult at times, especially considering our present culture. There are times I just want to fit in, to do the things everyone else is doing without having to wrestle with a moral dilemma. I'm in my forties; you'd think … Continue reading Is It Worth It?
When Prayer is Scary
Philip Yancey, the noted American author, writes in his book Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference that he considers prayer a "risky enterprise." It's a jarring statement but one we should thoughtfully consider. As Christians, we have the luxury of "having God's ear." We have reassurances from Jesus Himself that, not only does God hear … Continue reading When Prayer is Scary
Willful Disbelief
Being a Christian is risky. We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to a Christ-centered worldview. Our beliefs are seen as childish, ignorant, or sometimes downright malicious. As culture moves further and further away from the cross, the chasm between believers and non-believers grows wider and, at times, un-breachable. The arguments against Christianity … Continue reading Willful Disbelief
Get That ‘Love’ Stuff Out of Here
Ah, the day after Valentine's Day. Or, as I like to call it, the "75% off love day." Whereas just 24 hours ago, love was everywhere--flowers, balloons, candy, red hearts--today, all that remains are the few stragglers of which stores are desperate to be rid. Hence the cheap prices on wilted roses, sinking balloons, stale … Continue reading Get That ‘Love’ Stuff Out of Here
Shaky Ground
In Psalm 11, King David asks a question many of us have probably been asking over the last few months if not years: "The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?" (11:3). Has the world ever felt like that to you? We see riots and lawlessness, blatant evil and unimaginable … Continue reading Shaky Ground
*Not* Working For God
Eugene Peterson writes: "There are times when our grand human plans to do something for God are seen, after a night of prayer, to be a huge human distraction from what God is doing for us." As a Christian author, I can find myself stumbling over this truth time and time and time again. When … Continue reading *Not* Working For God
That Which We Have Already Attained
There's a lady at church with whom I have a hard time. And I don't mean in the sense that we don't get along. We do. Very well, in fact. And I don't mean that she has some kind of annoying habit, irritating mannerism, or even overt sin that causes me to be distracted. No, … Continue reading That Which We Have Already Attained
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