It's called March Madness for a reason - players performing at their highest level, clutch plays, buzzer-beaters, and an expectation of the unexpected.  Our lives can seem like sea of madness, with chaos, pressure, challenges, and daily decisions to make, but in the midst of madness, we can abide in the peace that passes all understanding, that comes from the Lord.  Philippians 4 (ESV) shows us ho...  Read More

Today is what is known as Maundy Thursday, a day that contains so many compelling images of the final hours of the earthly life of Jesus - from the Last Supper He shared with His disciples to the dramatic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, then the arrest of Jesus to stand trial before the religious leaders and the governmental officials. We see a clash of spiritual forces, a conflict of authoriti...  Read More

The suspense was building as what is now called Holy Week progressed in Jerusalem during the final days of the earthly ministry of Jesus.  The Passover was approaching and the perfect sacrificial lamb, the Savior of the world, was about to be brutally beaten and crucified.  The object of hostility and scorn, Jesus was facing the ultimate act of love.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 26 (ESV):1 When ...  Read More

At the heart of the Easter message is that we can be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of life - through Scripture, we recognize that we can become new creations in Him.  The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. The Church should be effectively communicating life transformation and proclaiming how that has become a reality for those who are called...  Read More

We are encouraged to do all that we do for the glory of God - whether it's our individual well-being, our life at home, at church, in the workplace, or in the community, we can be challenged to be excellent representatives of the Christ within us, a manifestation of the risen Savior.  And, for those participating in sports or the arts, a person should attempt to perform at his or her highest level...  Read More

In 2019, Finnish lawmaker Päivi Räsänen posted a Tweet on what was then Twitter to criticize the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for it promotion of LGBT "pride month." The Christian Post reported that, "She questioned how the church could agree with 'shame and sin' being presented as 'a matter of pride.'"  This prompted an investigation that this leader in the nation of Finland had engaged...  Read More

Popular culture has this propensity, unfortunately, to define Christianity on its own terms, and its not necessarily accurate, or even good.  And, you have those who want to redefine Jesus and, as it's been suggested, make Him into their image rather than allow Him to make them into His.  And, the rejection of the gospel, which is an incredible sense of hope, enables people to be the losers in a h...  Read More

The Bible teaches us about good stewardship, recognizing that God is our provider, and He has entrusted to us resources that, as it's been taught, ultimately belong to Him.  There are all sorts of opportunities that we have to spend our money, and we have to be responsible for those choices.  And, we must always make sure that we are generous with what He's given to us.  1st Timothy 6 says:6 But g...  Read More

While Israel continues to partner with the U.S. to advance against the menace known as Iran, around the world, antisemitism continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and not in a good way.  We have to recognize the role of Israel in the world today and in the plan of God for the earth.  His covenant with the Jewish people has not been canceled, and as stewards of His truth, we have to recognize...  Read More

In a world that I believe is looking for hope, we can find our hope in a Savior who came to give His life for us, who cares for each one of us, and calls us to follow Him.  He is the One who can sustain us even in our darkest hours and can provide light even in the deepest darkness.  If 1st Corinthians 13 is the "love chapter," I might refer to Romans 15 as the "hope chapter."  It says:3 For Chris...  Read More

Sometimes we are called to speak in certain situations; at other times, we are supposed to listen, to be what is referred to as a "ministry of presence."  And, we should know the difference.  In James 1 (ESV), the Bible illustrates for us how we should appropriate the use of our mouths and our ears:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;2...  Read More

Following the lead of the British House of Commons, the House of Lords has now voted, as part of a Crime and Policing Bill, to decriminalize abortion.  That's according to GBNews.com, which reported: "The amendment included a clause to change the law to decriminalise abortions for any reason, including if women did not want to have a child of a certain sex - and at any point up to and during birth...  Read More