In social media and evening TV and radio news this year, about the most overused word this year is — “expert.” On 31 Dec 2019, “experts” in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) declared that a new respiratory illness, centered in the city of Wuhan, had been identified. During the next few months, “experts” in the […]
“Get ready for bed.” “I don’t want to.” “Eat your vegetables.” “I don’t want to.” “Brush your teeth.” “I don’t want to.” “Come in from play and wash your hands.” “I don’t want to.” “Put that candy back.” “I don’t want to.” “Get dressed for church.” “I don’t want to.” Every parent has been frustrated […]
“We’ve never seen such devastation.” “We just got out with our clothes on our backs.” “We’ve been able to go back to our home. All that’s left are ashes.” You’ve probably heard these and other expressions of grief and shock. With 10% of Oregon’s population in evacuation zones, it’s likely that you know someone […]
When I was first saved, I was confused after reading the book of Job. It seemed like Job’s friends had some distorted views of God. Yet, knowing that the Scriptures were inspired, I wasn’t sure if I was to believe everything they said. Now, my understanding of “inspired” convinces me that the conversations in Job […]
Mothers have a tremendous influence in the lives of their children. What kind of adults their children become is not entirely dependent upon their mom, but she plays a huge role in how they turn out. Motherhood is no picnic. It is probably the greatest challenge women face, being a 24/7 commitment. Even when the […]
Ever tried using a screwdriver to twist a long screw into or out of wood? It’s almost impossible. But with a power tool, it seems effortless. When Karen and I reroofed our house, we pounded every nail with a hammer. Besides hitting our thumbs a number of times, it took us a month. Our neighbors, […]
One of King David’s songs to God that has been handed down to us in our Bibles is Psalm 139. Eugene Peterson has paraphrased some of it this way, “God, I’m an open book to You; even from a distance, You know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; […]
Have you ever been upset with yourself for giving into temptation … again? Have you ever assumed that if you were just more disciplined, you could be victorious? Feel you need to try harder or be more regimented to keep your routines? How many times have you heard it said that if you want […]
When I was in high school (a long time ago), our sports rival was a town twenty miles to the north, just over the border between California and Oregon. The Bible also speaks of rivals, but not of towns and sports teams. These two rivals are each vying for your heart, kind of like politicians […]
Samuel was getting old. He had served God his entire life and given leadership to the nation of Israel throughout his adult years. Now, as he approached the end of his life, he assumed that his sons would follow in his steps and provide godly leadership. “But his sons did not walk in his ways. […]