We are in that sweet spot between Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it seems that everything around us takes a soft curve—or a sharp right turn—from a spirit of gratitude to over-consumption. I don’t know about your family, but at my house, there are only a few hours between being thankful for what we have on…
We need to disciple our kids, but effective discipleship is not going to happen from a stage or in a large group setting. Relationships are the key to discipling our kids and training them up to be godly men and women. Are we surrounding our kids with the right relationships that are going to lead them…
There was a time in my life when watching the “The Tonight Show” when it aired was normal. Forcing my eyelids to stay open wasn’t even an issue. Those days are gone. These days, we record “The Tonight Show” and watch the previous night’s episode the next day, or week—or let them stockpile in our…
Buzzing smartphones, crammed calendars, and those tempting blue tins full of sugary butter cookies are among the many things vying for our attention during a busy holiday season; each one invites us to shift our focus off Jesus and onto other things. But there’s no way around it: If we want to love God…
A wise person once said that you should never pray for patience because what you’ll end up with is a lot more opportunities to practice it. That person must have been a parent. Let’s face it—as a parent, not every day feels like a blessing. Sometimes despite our best efforts, we’re left…
This is the time of year when joy should abound, yet many of us still find ourselves searching for it. Homes are filled with families rushing through the season filling their schedules and shopping carts to overflowing. But, as you already know, these things just don’t produce the joy for which our souls were…
I can still remember how fast my heart was racing when Kat walked into the room. I’d known this tall, blonde business woman for about a year. I knew that she was kind and outgoing, and that she wasn’t the slightest bit interested in faith. She’d made it a point on several coffee dates to…
Do you know why it’s hard to teach your kids perseverance? Because the rest of the world is built around instantly fulfilling their every need. Do you remember Blockbuster Video? You had absolutely no guarantee they would have the movie you wanted to rent. It was very likely that some other punk in your town…
By Walt Mueller Alone together. . . is that what every member of your family will be tomorrow? Parents, this is for you. Youth workers, this is for you to pass on to the families you know and love. Can we just ditch the phones when we’re gathered together tomorrow and have a good old-fashioned…
The other day I read an article titled Prayer is Not Enough. The author wrote about how many horrible things happen all over the world every day and how so many Christians respond with prayer, an act that’s just not enough (hence the title). Instead of praying, the author recommended action, encouraging believers to…