“Talk is cheap.” Have you ever heard someone use that expression? It’s the cousin to “Actions speak louder than words.” I get where it comes from. Quite often, we only know if someone means what they say if they back it up with their actions. But WHY? WHY do so many people think talk is … Continue reading Talk is… cheap?
faith
Belief gives birth
In 1932 the baseball World Series was between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs. The story goes that there were two outs, and who should step to the plate for the Yankees, but the famous big-hitting batter, Babe Ruth. The first pitch hurled over the plate. Strike one! The second did the same. … Continue reading Belief gives birth
Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Writer Craig Groeschel coined the phrase “Christian Atheism.” Here’s the idea behind it. If we say we believe in Jesus, are we actually living like it makes a difference? Or are we just blending in and living our lives as functional atheists? What do we say about prayer, verses how we actually pray? What do … Continue reading Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Incomparable magnetism
I firmly believe that apologetics will become increasingly important for Christians. “Apologetics” is the art of defending and explaining the faith. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but Christianity is increasingly misunderstood. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around. And, in general, as our society continues to be confused about morality, there is a lot … Continue reading Incomparable magnetism
What a flame is to dynamite
After summarizing some research on self-esteem, John Ortberg describes an internal question that a lot of people ask when approaching a challenge: “When you face a difficult situation, do you approach it, take action, and face it head on, or do you avoid it, wimp out, and run and hide?” When you face a difficult … Continue reading What a flame is to dynamite
Soul cinderblocks
There was a church who created a website where people could anonymously confess sins and wrongdoings. They did this because they believed in the healing power of confession. Plus, it was a chance to get other people to pray for them. One young woman wanted to confess her promiscuous life and her feelings of shame. … Continue reading Soul cinderblocks
Writing ‘thank you’ on every bill?
Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” A lot of people discount this verse for a whole host of reasons. It makes them uncomfortable. But even though governments are made up of flawed humans who often miss the mark, I … Continue reading Writing ‘thank you’ on every bill?
One thing we should expect from politicians
On Sunday at church I talked about Christian attitudes toward government. To be honest, I was kind of nervous about it. After all, government and politics is a touchy subject these days. There are divisive and polarizing issues. And sometimes it seems that common sense and civility go out the window! I think the congregation … Continue reading One thing we should expect from politicians
Valued in his sight
In the Bible, God demonstrates an undeniable, loving concern for the poor and marginalized. They are valued in his sight. Psalm 140:12 comes to mind: “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.” And since God cares about the poor and marginalized, he wants … Continue reading Valued in his sight
The unwelcome resident between your ears
Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night, I hear noises. 99 times out of 100, they’re normal sounds. Things like the refrigerator or furnace. On their own schedule, they go on, turn off, go on, and turn off again. That’s like worry. Just when you think you’ve entered a place of … Continue reading The unwelcome resident between your ears
