Last spring I had the privilege of speaking at a conference for NFL players put on by Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), a group which exists to unite a community of pro athletes and couples to grow as disciples of Jesus and positively impact their spheres of influence. They have a fantastic outreach to professional football and baseball athletes and their wives. I’ve seen firsthand the amazing difference they’re making. In the off-season I exchanged emails and texts with dozens of NFL players and cha..Continue reading→
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Thoughts
Motherhood Is a Marathon
I wanted to do great things for God. In the spring of my senior year of college, on the brink of embarking upon my own journey into adulthood, my future was undecided and that was simultaneously terrifying and thrilling. As a philosophy major, my path was narrower than I had realized, but I was sure it would take me on some grand and glorious adventure. I knew the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. “Glorify” sounds like such a grand term. It evokes images of battlefie..Continue reading→
1 Peter 5:7–8: How Not to Battle Anxiety
Anxieties attack our faith and torment our peace. The question with anxiety is not whether it will come, but rather, how can I fight it when it does? Watch NowContinue reading→
Is Love of Money Really the Root of All Evils?
Is the love of money the “root of all evils” or only the “root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10)? “All evils” is the formal English equivalent of the original Greek (pantōn tōn kakōn). It is remarkable that all older versions of the Bible translate 1 Timothy 6:10 in the more literal way: “The love of money is the root of all evils” (or all evil). This includes the Wycliffe Bible, Luther Bibel, Geneva Bible, King James Version, Douay-Rheims, Darby Bible, and Revised Standard Version. Bu..Continue reading→
Daily Verses
Proverbs 21:30 (01-01-17)
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.— Proverbs 21:30 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... No matter how fresh the start nor how great the plans we have made, if we do not walk with God, the coming year will not be a spiritual success. As we receive this gift of a new year, let's commit to serve the Lord. As we make plans for the coming days ahead, let's make sure that those plans are made based on the LORD's revealed will in Scripture, the ..Continue reading→
Our Eternal God
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1, NKJVThe glorious dawn of God’s story begins with the stunning yet profoundly simple statement that in the beginning He created everything (Gen. 1:1) – which means that in the beginning, He was already there. He is eternal. It is impossible to comprehend eternity. It’s been defined as three stages of time: everything before Creation, everything that has taken place or will take place from Creation until the end of the world, an..Continue reading→
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”Continue reading→
Luke 12:31 (12-31-16)
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.— Luke 12:31 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... As we stand at the end of one year and look over tomorrow into the beginning of a new one, let's remember that before our New Year's resolutions are made and broken, and before this year has come to an end, we can and we must declare to the Lord and in our hearts, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord..." (Joshua 24:15) as our first ..Continue reading→
Change Is Possible
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Psalm 63:3, NKJVNo means of measure can define God’s limitless love . . . No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply . . . No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings . . . He forgives and He forgets. He creates and He cleanses. He restores and He rebuilds. He heals and He helps. He reconciles and He redeems. He comforts and He carries. He lifts and He lov..Continue reading→
Daily Wisdom
Waiting Brings Blessings
No one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4, NIVI hate to wait. I hate to wait for a traffic light to turn green, for the doctor to see me, for the telephone to ring, for investments to produce, for the copier to warm up, for seeds to grow, for the fax to go through, for answers to prayer . . . I just hate to wait. Period. Waiting is so hard, especially when I am waiting on the Lord. Sometimes He s..Continue reading→
Matthew 6:19-21
“[Treasures in Heaven] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Continue reading→
Lamentations 3:25 (01-08-17)
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.— Lamentations 3:25 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Out of the ashes of Jerusalem's destruction and the disaster that befell God's people because of their repeated disobedience comes this reminder of truth. Those who wait patiently, who hope fervently, in the LORD will find what their soul most needs! My Prayer... Give me patience and faith, O God, for the times when life is hard an..Continue reading→
A Thrilling Adventure
"Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." Matthew 14:28-29, NKJVWhen it comes to experiencing God, I have to choose Him at all cost. I have to be willing to step out of the boat, as Peter did in Matthew 14, risking total failure in the eyes of others, in order to discover firsthand His power enabling me to walk on the water when He bids me, “Come.” Again and again, I’ve been confronted with hard choices when I’ve had to throw caution to the wind and abando..Continue reading→
Prayers
Daily Prayer for January 3
The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’” Isaiah 62:11, NIV Lord our God, we thank you that we may go to meet you with open hearts, with jubilant faith, and with this joyful shout, “God's salvation is coming! Through Jesus Christ day is dawning on earth for all nations.” Stay with us and help us. Send us your Spirit to strengthen us, especially in times of troubl..Continue reading→
Good News for Every Nation
PassageRomans 1:1-4 PrayerDear Father, who commissioned the Good News to all nations,Thank you that through Christ we have received grace and been commissioned to spread the Good News everywhere to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including our own.Thank you that we here in our country are also called to belong to Jesus Christ. May the grace and peace that comes from you, our Father, and from Jesus be showered upon all of us who claim your promis..Continue reading→
Daily Prayer for January 2
With this in mind, then, I kneel in prayer to the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, that out of the treasures of his glory he may grant you strength and power through his Spirit in your inner being, that through faith Christ may dwell in your hearts in love. Ephesians 3:14–17a, NEB Lord our God, we have gathered in your sight. We thank you that through your words you have given something of your very self to help us be your disciples, your children, who stand ..Continue reading→
Good News for Planet Earth
PassageRomans 1:1-4 PrayerDear Father, who commissioned the Good News to earth,Thank you for the Good News for planet Earth which you promised through your prophets in the Holy Scriptures.We love you for giving us this Good News about your Son, who, though he was descended from King David according to the flesh, was designated your Son, the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead. We exult in thanksgiving for Jesus Christ, holder of all authorit..Continue reading→
Questions & Answers
What Does It Mean to Have Been Created In the “Image of God”?
My dog, Bailey, is the best pet I have ever had the privilege to live with. We’ve had a number of dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, lizards and guinea pigs over the years, but in my mind, Bailey sits at the top of the list. As I enjoy her company (now that I’m working at home more than ever before), I can understand why so many of us hope that our pets will be part of our eternal life with God. I’m convinced from scripture that animals have souls, but I still have my reservations about whether or not..Continue reading→
Who Was King Solomon in the Bible?
Many people have heard of King Solomon. He was probably best known as the king who built the first Jewish Temple around 957 B.C. But, King Solomon was also known for many other things. Who was King Solomon in the Bible? King Solomon was born as the son of David We first hear of Solomon as being born to David and his wife Bathsheba in Jerusalem after the death of their son that was conceived through adultery (2 Samuel 5:14; 2 Samuel 12:24). Solomon’s name comes from the Hebrew word Shelomoh, whi..Continue reading→
What Is The Didache? Is It Inspired By God?
What exactly is the Didache? Is it reliable teaching and is it biblical? God-Breathed Scripture The Bible says of itself that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4:12), and this two-edged sword cuts both ways; for the one giving it out but also by the one who hears it, but it cuts in order to heal and bring eternal life. The ..Continue reading→
Pick Your Jury Carefully Before Making A Case
Those of us who are interested in Christian Case Making (and feel called to respond to Peter’s admonition in 1 Peter 3:15-16) usually spend time preparing to defend what we believe. We think diligently about the issues and evidences; we prepare ourselves to articulate the arguments and philosophical premises. We envision ourselves making the case for Christianity. Sometimes we even think of ourselves as characters in a courtroom setting: detectives and prosecutors who cleverly and powerfully mak..Continue reading→
Church & Ministries
10 Things Pastors Should Learn From TED Talks
Have you ever watched a really good TED talk? Like this one, this one, this one, or this one. TED talks are some of the best presentations on the planet. The single idea of a great TED talk often becomes viral. As pastors, I believe we communicate the most important “idea” ever. If we want to reach our culture, we can learn from these popular public speaking videos. What makes these presentations engaging to our culture? What can we apply to our preaching without compromising our message? ..Continue reading→
Are You Focused on Ministry Management? or Multiplication?
There’s a big difference in ministry management and ministry multiplication. As a leader, the gravitational pull is always toward the tyranny of the urgent. It’s like a tractor beam pulling us in. Too many leaders get so focused on “What now?” that we can’t focus on what’s next! We fall into the rut of putting out fires and managing the ministry machine, rather than focusing on what could come next for our ministry. Ministry management is important; just not at the neglect of ministry multiplic..Continue reading→
Is It Right If Christians Just Watch Services Online Instead of Going to Church?
Is going to church still as important today, now that watching televised sermons or online videos can deliver the church's message just as well?Continue reading→
British Knight Falls On His Sword In Vatican Condoms Row
The British-born head of the Knights of Malta, a chivalric and charitable order, has resigned in the latest twist in the Vatican condoms row.Continue reading→
Hot Topics
An Appeal to the Church to Resist ‘Death With Dignity’
“Though I am heart broken by his condition, though I know his once sharp attorney mind would be horrified to see himself now, though I realize that his once strong rancher body would feel forsaken by his wheelchair, assisting him in ending his life is not an option for me for three reasons.” After church a friend and I were lamenting the condition of our ailing parents. Her mom and my dad both reside in nursing homes, both have terminal diseases, and both sometimes seem very depressed. My frien..Continue reading→
Only wisdom will protect your teenagers
Biblical wisdom is designed to protect lives. As the Proverbs teach, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom. Wisdom is not neutral or passive. Wisdom thrives on passion and love for God. Wisdom without passion is useless. Joseph demonstrated a passionate love for wisdom when Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him. The woman provocatively grabbed Joseph’s clothing with such force that it was clear that only one thing was on her mind. Joseph’s response was also ..Continue reading→
When You Have a Case of the Monday’s on Sunday
This last Sunday wasn’t the first time I’ve had a case of the Monday’s on a Sunday. I’ve been to this rodeo before and I’ve learned a few things at least about myself that helps me, maybe it will help you. These aren’t tips to feel better or to pull yourself out of the doldrums and get excited about your Sunday morning. That might happen, but more than anything these are tips to help you feel around in the dark a little bit until the light comes back on. I’ve read (and even written) a fair shar..Continue reading→
Pray for Your Church Leaders
Those who serve us in ministry bear a heavy responsibility for the care of our souls. Their work of ministry is hard and stressful and wears on both church leaders and their families. God has called us to pray for them. May we pray for them always, entrusting them to the care of our great and sovereign God. The warning in the book of James to teachers is sobering, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (3:1). ..Continue reading→
Women
Why Complementarian Men Need Complementarian Women
In the midst of our civil war on the Trinity, we need to put down our arms and remember that men and women are in this together. Being outnumbered by men has always been part of my life. I was raised in a family of brothers. I’m the mother to three sons. I’m also the only female editor at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW), so I’m all too familiar with what it’s like to be the only woman around. Amid the recent “civil war” among complementarians about the Trinity and Christ’s..Continue reading→
Don’t Call Me Out at Your Wedding for Being Single
The church can model a more inclusive community, one that doesn’t divide over marital status. Here’s a new wedding tradition I recently heard about: Instead of tossing their bouquets, Christian brides give each single woman at their reception a flower from the bunch and pray individually for them to find a husband. Compared to the ritual of competing to catch the bouquet, this approach was “sweet,” “thoughtful,” and “selfless” according to the women I saw discussing the idea on Facebook—plus a..Continue reading→
5 Ways to Refresh When You Don’t Have Time to Slow Down
Most days, it seems like there’s not quite enough time to accomplish everything we need—or want—to do. It might be that we’re juggling kids, a marriage, and a dog; or it might be that we’re trying to balance classes and friendships and work; or that we’re living in the tension between our professional and personal lives. Whatever roles and responsibilities we carry, we have all experienced that nagging feeling that we’re not doing enough. So it may seem counteri..Continue reading→
Why Google and BuzzFeed Need the Church
When big corporations make big moral decisions, where is the church’s voice? In early June, BuzzFeed withdrew from a $1.3 million advertising agreement with the Republican National Committee after Donald Trump became the party’s presumptive nominee for this fall’s presidential election. According to CEO Jonah Peretti, “We don't run cigarette ads because they are hazardous to our health, and we won't accept Trump ads for the exact same reason.” BuzzFeed’s refusal of Trump’s campaign a..Continue reading→
Music
Leeland Announces Pre-Order For New Album
Today Bethel Music announced the pre-order of Leeland's first album as part of their artist collective. "We're excited to announce that Leeland's first album with Bethel Music is now available for pre-order on iTunes. 'Invisible' offers a refreshing perspective on a gospel that is alive and moving in us and through us," Bethel shared. Invisible will mark Leeland's first release since 2014's Christ Be All Around Me EP and will be available July 22. Click here to pre-order the album now and get 3 instant song downloads "Invisible," "Carry It All Away" and "Son Was Lifted Up." Invisible Track Listing 1. My Treasure 2. War 3. Spirit 4. Ever Love You Lord 5. For Your Glory 6. Perfect Love 7. Lock & Key 8. Invisible 9. Breath of God [...]Continue reading→
Project 86 Announces PledgeMusic Campaign for 10th Album
Project 86 has launched a special PledgeMusic campaign in support of their upcoming tenth studio album and their 20 year anniversary as a band. The project will be comprised of ten original songs and five covers. All of the songs will be available to backers on a one song per month basis, beginning with a cover of Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" as an immediate download for all backers. The PledgeMusic campaign is designed as both a preorder for music to come and a celebration of music past, with offers including vintage merch. Accompanying tour dates are coming soon, with Project 86 promising to play fan favorites from their early days alongside current tracks. Above all, the band sees the campaign as a way to celebrate the past two decades alongside their fans. "You have stuck by us for twenty years. We want to meet you, spend[...]Continue reading→
Word Entertainment Scores Two Trophies For Christian Retailing’s Best Awards
It was announced earlier this week that Word Entertainment was honored two times at the annual Christian Retailing's Best Awards. Big Daddy Weave's acclaimed album Beautiful Offerings (Fervent Records) won in the music category and When Calls the Heart Complete Season 2 (Word Films) won for the DVD Movie division. The awards, honoring the best new products of the year, were given on Monday, June 27 in Cincinnati during the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). "At Word Entertainment, we are passionate and intentional about delivering the best in Christian entertainment to people everywhere," shares Rod Riley, President & CEO, Word Entertainment. "Big Daddy Weave's Beautiful Offerings and When Calls the Heart Complete Season 2 are two projects that we have seen impact thousands and thousands of lives with the good news of the Gospel. To be recognized with awards for each of these projects from Christian Retailing's[...]Continue reading→
Metalcore Group Toarn Signs With Luxor Records
Christian metalcore band Toarn has announced their signing with Luxor Records, making their upcoming EP Giant Killer their debut with the label. Toarn released a new song titled "In Flander's Fields" alongside the label news, giving fans an initial taste of Giant Killer prior to its July 15 release. Preorders for the EP are available through major retailers like Amazon, BestBuy and Barnes & Noble as well as through VictoryMerch.com. The Washington-based band has developed a grassroots following through the release of past independent projects Protoevangelium and Brood of Vipers. Toarn will be hitting the road with Hemarosa in support of the release, with tour dates listed here. You can listen to "Flander's Field" below.Continue reading→
Britney Spears Endorses Pastor/Author Max Lucado
Britney Spears has a new album coming out and is about to kick off a two-year residency in Las Vegas, so she’s out there working the publicity machine. During a recent Twitter chat, a fan asked Britney what her favorite book was, and the singer replied, “Anything by Max Lucado.” Lucado is a Texas-based preacher and author of a hundred (yes, a hundred) Christian-themed adults and kids’ books. Their titles include Grace for the Moment, Outlive Your Life: You Were Born to Make a Difference, and God..Continue reading→
Katy Perry’s Song “By the Grace of God” Is a Flashback to Her Christian Singer Days
Before Katy Perry was an animal-print-and-candy-loving pop star, she was Katy Hudson, aspiring Christian singer. Though her switch to the secular side of music helped make her a star, Katy (whose parents are pastors) hasn’t given up on her Christian background. Her new album Prism features the ballad “By the Grace of God,” which probably won’t ever be released as a single but does a bang-up job appealing to one of her core constituencies. But what does John Mayer think?Continue reading→
American
Weekly Meanderings, 28 January 2017
This is inexcusable and un-American: A massive group of violent demonstrators spat on, assaulted and screamed obscenities at a Gold Star widow and sister Friday outside an inaugural ball honoring the military, one of the women told “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday. Amy Looney, who lost her husband Navy SEAL Lt. Brendan Looney in 2010, and Ryan Manion, whose brother Marine First Lt. Travis Manion died in 2007, said they were attacked as they tried to enter the American Legion’s tribute to Medal of Hono..
Tennessee Bill Would Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks, Planned Parenthood Calls That “Concerning”
The state of Tennessee is considering a new piece of legislation that would ban abortions after 20 weeks gestation when scientific evidence indicates a baby can feel pain from an abortion, WBIR-10 News in Knoxville reports. “I think the climate and the culture, the pendulum is swinging…It’s the right thing to do,” said State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver, who filed the bill in state legislature, according to WBIR. “There’s a time and a season for everything. People are understanding, our cul..
Scientists Create Human-Pig Hybrids for Organ Transplants That Could Develop Into “Monsters”
Scientists announced this week that they successfully created the first human-pig hybrid, a living pig embryo with some human characteristics. National Geographic reports the disturbing new experiment involved pig embryos injected with human cells. Researchers at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California said they implanted the living pig-human embryos, or chimeras, in adult pigs’ wombs and allowed them to grow between three and four weeks. Later, the scientists said they re..
Amazing Time-Lapse Video Shows Thousands of Pro-Life People Marching for Life
An amazing new time-lapse video shows thousands upon thousands of pro-life people marching for life through the streets of Washington D.C. It’s always difficult to capture the exact number of people who participate in the March for Life ,the rally and various pro-life events in the nation’s capital throughout the day. But this tremendous video gives you a visual glimpse of the tremendous outpouring of pro-life support for the March for Life as it streams through the streets of the nation’s cap..
US
A nation of suburbs
Big cities seem to get most of the attention. People debate their merits compared with small towns and the rural life. Suburbs don’t get the same respect. But according to a report from the Urban Land Institute, 79% of the American population live in suburbs. That includes 85% of the nation’s children and 75% of Millennials. Contrary to the stereotypes about “white flight,” suburbs are racially and ethnically diverse, with 76% of the minority population living in suburbs. And suburbs are where m..
Thomas Oden, ex-liberal theologian turned classical Christian, has died
Thomas Oden has died. A prominent liberal theologian who replaced pastoral care with psychotherapy, Oden converted to classical, historical Christianity when he read the church fathers. An Oklahoman (whose life in many ways paralleled mine), Oden gave us the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, insightful work on postmodernism, and much more. Please read my review of his autobiographical memoir, A Change of Heart: A Personal and Theological Memoir. Then read that book for an inside look at..
Trump’s appointments & WWE connections
Donald Trump’s choices for his cabinet and other high-level positions in his administration are interesting, to say the least. He is stacking defense-related positions with generals, well-qualified to be sure, but this has some worried about the tradition of civilian control of the military. He is awarding some loyalists but also including some Republican establishment figures, including, magnanimously, some who opposed him (such as Nikki Haley for UN ambassador, with Mitt Romney a contender for..
The triumphs of nationalism
The victory of Donald Trump–along with other political insurgencies in England, France, Italy, and other countries–was a triumph of nationalism. It was not a triumph of conservatism, though conservatism went along for the ride and is generally hospitable to nationalism. But the new political force is, above all, a rejection of globalism in favor of local cultures and a revival of the nation-state. So says Mark L. Movesian in a stimulating essay, quoted and linked after the jump. He says that nat..