Category: Bible study

A quiet exodus is happening in our churches, without headlines, slowly and silently. Without warning, a familiar face vanishes, leaving only an empty pew. Throughout my lifetime, the statistics have not changed. Despite the additions of youth ministry, college ministry, and entertaining activities, we are losing approximately two-thirds of...

Driving down a country highway near the desert offers a chance to enjoy nature and find peace, unless a pair of turkeys crosses the road. I saw them on the shoulder, walking into my lane. I slowed down slightly, moving over in my lane, but one of them kept...

The shock of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is felt deeply in our household. My seventeen-year-old son has an interest in both ministry and politics, making Charlie Kirk someone he admired, respected, and considered an example. Not all heroes wear capes or have star status in sports or Hollywood arenas. Some...

We’ve all had those home repairs that drag on longer than they should. What I didn’t expect was for our dishwasher to become a teacher of patience, frustration, and, ultimately, gratitude. It all started over a month ago. Suddenly, the dishwasher decided to run for a few minutes, then...

During their July 16 concert at Gillette Stadium, the Coldplay KissCam caught a moment that went viral within hours. The camera revealed something deeper than a kiss. A company CEO and head of HR, caught in an intimate embrace, responded with immediate shame and guilt, hiding from the camera. Both...

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This bold and risky proclamation shouted to the world that the thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule but were “free and independent states.” Today, fireworks, parades, and cookouts will mark the day, and...

Thirteen years ago, on June 28, 2012, my friend Amy Peterson posted, “If you truly believe that God is in control and that He has not left the room: PLEASE stop using the following phrase about today’s weather/political/spiritual/financial climate, ‘I am scared about what is going on.’ You have...

I enjoy my morning coffee (and sometimes an extra in the afternoon, and a bedtime hot chocolate or herbal tea). I’ve collected a variety of mugs over the years, each with some sentimental meaning. Every one of them reminds me of a person, a place, or a moment that...

Throughout history, good people, even faithful Christians, have found themselves on every side of every conflict or debate. Sometimes tensions run deep, even between family members, friends, and within the church. In addition to escalating political and global events, society grapples with issues of identity and belonging. Often, the...

For the past several years, my son has spent his birthday away at camp.  We often celebrate before he leaves or when he returns. For birthdays at camp, the female counselors gather around the male campers and sing Happy Birthday to various other tunes (this year it was the...