Blog

Thick and durable, the curtain stood guard. Threads of red, purple, and blue chased each other as they wove an angelic pattern that hinted at the cherubim on the ark of the covenant behind it. As wide as a first down and twice as long, the curtain separated sacred from sinful. Ethereal from earthly. Holiness…

This month, we’ve focused on current events (including, but not limited to #MeToo) and how church and culture find themselves on the same page as we stand against abuse. As we find ourselves aligned with culture, how can we as individual believers encourage our local churches to take the next step? To follow up on…

If you’re not familiar with the stories of these two, here’s a quick rundown.

How does the Church earn the right to be heard in such times? By exhibiting the character of our God, because, as our culture tells us, character matters. Ungodly behavior will undermine our testimony for Jesus every time. Scripture gives no disconnect between belief and behavior. Could the reason the Church looks so much like…

Remarkable things are happening in our country. Suddenly, character matters. New reports appear almost daily: Urban Meyer: He was held accountable for his knowledge of an assistant coach’s domestic abuse. Harvey Weinstein: His sexual misconduct against women propelled the #MeToo movement into existence. #ChurchToo: Scores of sexual abuse cases and their coverups have been brought…

My kids have started school and so have I. Summer temps still hover—and will for another month, but a new season has arrived. Before we find ourselves drowning in the new activity of the fall, let’s take some time and explore what God has for each of us this season. Walk with me through Ecclesiastes…

And what better to pray than Scripture? Here are ten passages that make great prayers when someone or something—even our own attitude—needs adjusting to build unity and bring reconciliation.

God places a high value on unity. Unity in families. Unity in marriage. Unity in the church. Is it any wonder the enemy destroys unity wherever he can? That families, marriages, and the church are constantly under attack? Matthew wrote, “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and…

Drama: A state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces (Merriam-Webster). I enjoy drama in film or literature, but I can do without it on a personal level. Though some thrive on it (reality TV?), drama does serious damage to unity. And unity is something I pray for regularly. Strong…

Poverty. Destitution. Scary words. Ones we try to avoid by planning, saving, and good insurance. But allow me to tweak your view of poverty. I researched the vow of poverty and here’s what I found. A vow of poverty is not a vow of destitution. Sister Julie said, “The vow of poverty means holding all things…