Mornings with Carmen Playlist: Israel
Compilation of Mornings with Carmen episodes on Israel— helping us to think rightly about what is happening in the Middle East, pray for those affected by the violence and trust the Lord in uncertain times. – October 25, 2023 Understanding Zionism Carmen looks at the origins of Zionism and Christian Zionism, why the modern nation…
Read MoreIsrael’s 9/11 came on 10/7/2023
Shabbat. It is the Jewish sabbath. It is a day of rest. It is a 24 hour period of time from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday when Jews do no work. They turn off their phones, close their shops, gather with family and friends and observe the Sabbath. They also sleep in. So…
Read MoreSpotlight Interview: John R. Erickson shares the story behind Hank the Cowdog
Where I live, we have a version of Wallace and Junior. We have a version of Rip and Snort. We have a version of Hank the Cowdog, and we have been known as a family to say when we don’t want to do something, when we’re being asked to do something that we don’t want…
Read MoreWinning the lottery
At a Publix in Juniper Beach, Florida, a person buys a lottery ticket. Out of more than 300 million tickets sold, their ticket has the right combination of numbers matching those drawn for the $1.58 Billion Mega Millions jackpot — the third largest lottery prize ever awarded in America. How much will they actually get?…
Read MoreSpotlight Interview: Jeff Christopherson gives the Western Church a check-up
Right before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave instructions about how they are to live: Go and make disciples of every nation. Two thousand years later, this is our same mission. Simple and clear, but is the Church really living into the mission of what we are called to be and do? And most importantly— how do…
Read MoreHow 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…
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