Thursday, October 30, 2014

What Not to Say to Parents of Adopted Children

What Not to Say to Parents of Adopted Children - “When are you having your own kids?” and other things to avoid. I have heard most of these. They are good reminders for us all.

Are Millennials Leaving the Church Because of Homosexuality?

Are Millennials Leaving the Church Because of Homosexuality? - This statement is regularly offered up. Is it true?

Do People in Your Church Believe in God? Two graphs of America’s 43 Largest Faiths

Do People in Your Church Believe in God? Two graphs of America’s 43 Largest FaithsMost people say “yes” to this question but when presented with a simple clarifier, their answers shift.

What Led You To Become An Atheist? Some Surprising Answers



7 Marks of a Deeply Deadly Sin

7 Marks of a Deeply Deadly SinNot all sin is the same. “The deadliness of a sin is not related so much to the category of that sin, but to how deeply-rooted it is in your life, and to how you have responded to God as he has revealed it to you.”

Monday, October 27, 2014

Corporate Worship Is Better Than Your Quiet Time

Corporate Worship Is Better Than Your Quiet Time – “Worshiping God shoulder-to-shoulder is one of the greatest joys of covenant relationship with God.”

A Prayer for the Parent’s Soul

A Prayer for the Parent’s Soul – “There is a prayer in Psalm 143 that might help us. The aim of this prayer is not for parental advice, but for the parent’s soul. The focus is not your methods and procedures in parenting, but the postures of your heart as a parent.”

Sent into the Harvest: Halloween on Mission

Sent into the Harvest: Halloween on Mission - How will you address Halloween this week as a believer?

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Why ‘Quiet Times’ Shouldn’t Just Happen Alone

Why ‘Quiet Times’ Shouldn’t Just Happen Alone Personal Bible reading is great, but it's just the beginning.

20 Ways to be Refreshing in the Local Church


Jason shares a great list of reminders how refreshing ministry can be and what you can do to reignite that refreshment in your ministry.

God’s School of Waiting

God’s School of WaitingThere are great lessons to be learned in this unpopular school.

Sin Is Worse Than Hell

Sin Is Worse Than Hell – “So sin, in the final analysis, is worse than hell. We should not marvel that God burns with wrath against his enemies. Let us marvel, instead, that while we were still enemies, Christ died for us.”

6 Costs of Real Friendships

6 Costs of Real FriendshipsWhy is friendship so difficult? Because it costs. Be willing to pay for such a treasure.

Cheerful Confidence after Christendom

Cheerful Confidence after Christendom - This is a good word on living in a post-Christian culture.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

When the Church Has Let You Down

When the Church Has Let You DownDuring a recent doctor visit, I had a conversation with a nurse who was still carrying hurt from the church she grew up in. Years had passed but the wounds were still fresh. Her story is common. A few steps forward for those who have been hurt.

Celebration Is a Spiritual Discipline

Celebration Is a Spiritual Discipline Mastering the fine art of joyful occasions

5 Reasons Why There Are No Millennials in Your Church

5 Reasons Why There Are No Millennials in Your Church - There is much to consider in our traditional churches in this article. The answers aren't all easy and clear but the discussion is important.

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers Part 2: Scripture Engagement

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers Part 2: Scripture Engagement“No matter how you look at it, Bible engagement is related to spiritual growth. Growing Christians don't just read the Bible; they value and engage it because God is at work in their lives.”

Proactive and Reactive Prayer

Proactive and Reactive Prayer – “By and large, prayer points shared around the room tend to be reactive to the life issues that each of us, or our friends/family, are facing. And please don’t hear me saying anything other than that is appropriate and good, especially in a home group context. But…”


4 Reasons to Speak the Gospel to One Another

4 Reasons to Speak the Gospel to One AnotherChristians should speak the Gospel to one another and here are some good reasons why.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

The Hopeless Marriage

The Hopeless Marriage - It is hard to have a vibrant life with God when your primary relationship is in the dumper. So, what can you do?

Friday, October 17, 2014

4 Things That Happen When You Study Leviticus More Than 10 Years

4 Things That Happen When You Study Leviticus More Than 10 YearsIt took a few years but I’ve come to anticipate my annual reading of Leviticus. This author helps to explain why that would be so. 

There’s More to Africa Than Just Problems to Solve

There’s More to Africa Than Just Problems to SolveFrom my experiences with the people of the African continent would agree with this author, “We need to start seeing Africa as more than just a disaster zone.”

9 Things Everyone Should Do When Reading the Bible

9 Things Everyone Should Do When Reading the BibleA few simple habits to build into your Bible reading.

The Best Theological Label Is “Berean”

The Best Theological Label Is “Berean” – Here is a good word from Randy Alcorn.

3 Principles for Asking for Forgiveness

3 Principles for Asking for ForgivenessAs we ask for forgiveness, we are taking a most important step in restoring an injured relationship.

Parents: Should You Mandate Bible Reading for your Children?

Parents: Should You Mandate Bible Reading for your Children? - At what point will we defeat our purpose and discourage them?


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Houston Officials Demand Pastors Turn Over Sermons

Houston Officials Demand Pastors Turn Over SermonsJim Denison weighs in on the religious liberty issues of the Houston case.

How God Impacts Our Money and Stuff

How God Impacts Our Money and Stuff - The love of money is more than dangerous — it’s spiritual suicide.

Contentment Does Not Come Naturally

Contentment Does Not Come Naturally – “Present contentment is rooted in a past reality and a future hope. It’s hard not to trust a bleeding Savior who will take me home.”

Honoring the Sabbath Like a Command

Honoring the Sabbath Like a CommandWhy observing Sabbath still matters.

Dispelling Rumors of Religion’s Demise

Dispelling Rumors of Religion’s DemiseI had opportunity to meet Byron Johnson last month. He’s doing great work in research and here is another interesting sampling.

Behold Your Mother

Behold Your MotherWhy we need to teach Christians how to care for aging parents.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

A Prayer for Offloading Our Anxieties and Cares on God

Finding a Level Head in a Hectic World

Finding a Level Head in a Hectic World In a day of endless distraction and diversion, there is no greater remedy for our clouded heads and hectic lives than the sober mind of Christ.

Successful Ministry

Successful Ministry The encouragement that comes from knowing “the Lord is with us” as we share the Gospel.

Houston, We Have a Constitution

Houston, We Have a Constitution - Russell Moore comments on the attack on religious liberty and the constitution in Houston.

How Often Do We See Our Faith Through a Western Worldview?

How Often Do We See Our Faith Through a Western Worldview? - We sometimes read and interpret the Bible as if it was written just to westerners who speak English.

Attack on Religious Liberty

Attack on Religious LibertyCity of Houston Demands Pastors Turn Over Sermons. Pray for church leaders on Houston.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Evangelizing to People Who Have Heard it All Before

Evangelizing to People Who Have Heard it All Before5 ways to share your faith without shoving it down people's throats.

What Should Evangelicals Make of the Rome Synod on the Family?

What Should Evangelicals Make of the Rome Synod on the Family? Russell Moore comments, “There are some important questions posed here, that we should consider.”

Be Ready to Answer Your Kids’ Questions About the Bible

Be Ready to Answer Your Kids’ Questions About the Bible Jon Bloom writes, “So here are a few answers (in language I would speak to my 9 year old twins) that might be helpful for some mealtime (or bedtime!) discussions.” He also includes links to adults’ questions about the Bible.


A Prayer for Growing Thick Skin and a Big Heart

A Prayer for Growing Thick Skin and a Big HeartIn a world of messy relationships, this is a good word to offer to the Lord.

12 Pillars of Faith for Parents of Special Needs’ Kids

12 Pillars of Faith for Parents of Special Needs’ KidsAn encouraging, biblical word from Paul Tautges.


Activism in the Social Media Age

Activism in the Social Media AgeThis cartoon is about right.

7 Things Your Church Needs From You

7 Things Your Church Needs From YouTim Challies’ list is right on the mark.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Saturday, October 11, 2014

A Quote Worth Remembering

Tim Challies shares this great Adrian Rogers quote:

Holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ is the way to holiness. —Adrian Rogers

Let Your Dim, Sin-Stained Light Shine Before The World

Let Your Dim, Sin-Stained Light Shine Before The WorldHere is a good description of what it means to live out a Christian testimony.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Thursday, October 9, 2014

8 Warning Signs Your Marriage Might Be In Trouble

8 Warning Signs Your Marriage Might Be In TroubleA few habits you should be paying very close attention to.



Idolatry Is Alive Today

Idolatry Is Alive TodayIdolatry is still trying to work its way into our lives.

Do You Have Confidence in Christ That Can Handle Ebola?

Do You Have Confidence in Christ That Can Handle Ebola?In the midst of fears, it’s a question Christians need to answer.


Will Christians Be Secretly Raptured?

Will Christians Be Secretly Raptured?With the release of the Left Behind movie, this discussion is again on many minds. This article describes the history and some brief analysis of the secret rapture movement in America.

Why Did God Allow Satan to Harm Job and His Family?

Why Did God Allow Satan to Harm Job and His Family?Here is one view of the story of Job and lessons to be learned.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

When I Feel Afraid

When I Feel Afraid Any number of things can stir our fears just now. What should we do when we are afraid

When God Feels Cruel

When God Feels Cruel Have you ever asked God “why” and complained to Him or cried out to Him in frustration. The Bible is filled with godly examples of people who did just that. What can we learn from them?

A Sad Milestone for Marriage and Morality

A Sad Milestone for Marriage and MoralityAl Mohler provides commentary on what the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage means for the nation. As Justice Scalia predicted earlier, “The other shoe has dropped.”

Monday, October 6, 2014

Same-Sex Marriage and the Supreme Court: What Now for the Church?

Same-Sex Marriage and the Supreme Court: What Now for the Church?Russell Moore writes, “We ought to have the confidence of people who have heard a word from God and the compassion of a people who are on a mission with God. The Supreme Court can do many things, but the Supreme Court cannot get Jesus back into his cemetery plot.”

20 Leadership Quotes from Louie Giglio

20 Leadership Quotes from Louie GiglioThese are good reading.

The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media

The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media – Tim Challies writes, “I stumbled across one parent’s attempt to bring reason and discipline to her children’s use of digital media. To help them learn how to use their devices well, Susan Maushart has instituted “The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media.” Here they are:

  • Thou shalt not fear boredom
  • Thou shalt not “multitask” (not until thy kingdom come, thy homework be done)
  • Thou shalt not WILF (WILF describes the “What Was I Looking For” phenomenon of using Google to look for one thing, and then burning two hours hunting down random and unimportant facts)
  • Thou shalt not text and drive (or talk, or sleep)
  • Thou shalt keep the Sabbath a screen-free day
  • Thou shalt keep thy bedroom a media-free zone
  • Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s upgrade
  • Thou shalt set thy accounts to “Private”
  • Thou shalt bring no media to thy dinner
  • Thou shalt bring no dinner to thy media.

I’ve got to say: Those aren’t too bad…



Be Yourself in Prayer

Be Yourself in PrayerWe shouldn’t make prayer overly complicated. Here are some suggestions for engaging in a meaningful prayer conversation with God.


What Is Discernment?

What Is Discernment? This is a good article describing discernment and then finding its applications for us all. 

6 Great Reasons To Study Doctrine

6 Great Reasons To Study DoctrineWhy should be dig into the big truths of God?

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

9 Things You Should Know About Atheism

9 Things You Should Know About Atheism - The number of people who identify themselves as atheists in the United States has been steadily rising in recent years. According to the Pew Research Center, when asked about their religious identity, 2.4 percent of Americans say they are atheists, up from 1.6 percent in 2007. Here are nine things you should know.

13 George Whitefield Quotes That Will Challenge Your Spiritual Life

13 George Whitefield Quotes That Will Challenge Your Spiritual Life – The one on evangelism is one of my favorites.

3 Truths About Spiritual Gifts

3 Truths About Spiritual Gifts - This is a helpful article in finding a place to serve the Lord.

3 Ways to Avoid the 'Children's Church' Ditch | The Christward Collective

3 Ways to Avoid the 'Children's Church' Ditch - Here is a interesting article on a much-discussed church topic.

Only One Life

Only One Life - This article shares an inspirational biography and some great quotes such as, "Only one life,
‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."


Where Satan Will Attack You Today

Where Satan Will Attack You Today The victory that overcomes the world is our faith.

Five Questions With a Former Muslim Who Converted to Christianity

Five Questions With a Former Muslim Who Converted to ChristianityI found this to be interesting and helpful.