How to have a real conversation: Speaking truth, in love
Ephesians chapter 4 ends with instruction about how we should engage as Christians who are in the world but not of it: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not…
Read MoreSpotlight Interview: Sally Burke invites moms, grandparents, and everyone else to pray for our schools
Back to school is here. Hard to believe, but it’s true. As we prepare to send our children back to school (or have already done so) we are thinking about much more than checking off the school supply list or packing lunches. It’s everything that awaits our children in the coming year— safety and protection,…
Read MoreA Christ follower’s back to school checklist
Every store declares and every flashing light in every part of town forewarns: Back to school! Freshly sharpened pencils, crisp folders— many of us have nostalgia around this time of the year. Some of us are checking off the supply lists and stocking up on tissue boxes and disinfecting wipes. But no matter your age…
Read MoreGod can use ordinary Christians in daily conversations in glorious ways
God desires to use us—people who have a restored relationship with Him—to bring His perspective into the conversations of the day. We are regular run-of-the-mill, ordinary Christians, “God’s people,” sent out to speak as ambassadors of His Kingdom perspective. He calls us to walk in the Spirit and keep in step with Him. That means…
Read MoreYou have a story to share and yes, people want to hear it
Your personal story is undeniable and people want to hear your story. Where God appears in your story, the more personal you can make it, the better. God is not an idea, God is a real person. Avoid direct reference to the Bible and no reference to “my church teaches” because although those are authorities…
Read MoreSpotlight Interview with KA Ellis on Maria Fearing, the girl who dreamed of distance lands
Who are your ancestors? Bring your family tree up into your mind’s eye. Who are your ancestors in that biological genetic family tree? Now, think about a different family tree. Who are your ancestors in the faith? Who reached you with the Gospel? Who reached them? So on and so on and so on until…
Read MoreSummer Calling: Serving as Spiritual (or Actual) Lifeguards
“Pool closed.” That’s the sign greeting many urban families across the United States this summer. Why? There’s a nationwide shortage of lifeguards. The lifeguard shortage has been going on for the last few years, but this summer, it is reaching a crisis level. From Minneapolis to Chicago to Philadelphia and New York, hundreds of community…
Read MoreSpotlight Interview with Dewey Williams, Minister on Death Row
2414. No, that is not my projection about the year in which the world will come to an end. 2414 is the number of people in America for whom in all practical ways, the world has already ended. 2414 is the current number of men and women on death row in America today. Persons who…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be a Good Samaritan today
On the NYC Subway incident and asking what does God expect of us today Friend, when you woke up this morning, what did you expect to happen today? Think about these questions, as you make your coffee or eat your breakfast: What do you expect God to do without you having to ask? What do…
Read MoreWhat’s love got to do with it?
Rock and soul singer Tina Turner has died after a long battle with illness. She was 83. Maybe her most well known song was “What’s love got to do with it?” That’s a very provocative question. I contend that love is much more than a second-hand emotion. In fact, everything is all about love. Where…
Read MoreSpotlight Interview with Jon Ward, National News Correspondent
Jon Ward is a front line journalist in Washington D.C. and a Christian. He currently serves as the chief National Correspondent at Yahoo! News, and has covered American politics and culture for two decades— writing about the what, the who, the how of our national political discourse— including time as a White House correspondent traveling…
Read MoreWhere Everyone Went When Everything Went Wrong
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to…
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