Human nature remains largely unchanged over time. That realization quickly dulls the shiny, temporary appeal of cultural movements. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." ~Ecclesiastes 1:9. As a Christian, the standard I lift in the air should be … Continue reading Dulling the Shiny Appeal of Culture
Tag: Christ
Standing against Racism and for the Flag
I stand against racism AND I stand for our flag. My point = you can choose both. Don’t believe the talking heads who tell you otherwise. I stand for our flag. 5,000 miles from home, in intense heat, hungry, tired, and under enemy fire from Al Qaeda…I looked up and saw that star-spangled banner. My … Continue reading Standing against Racism and for the Flag
“Be Strong & Courageous”: Why Are We Still Afraid?
Why are we still afraid? Every one of the more than 400 days I spent in combat, I wore a chain necklace with my dog tags and a small silver shield. On the back of the shield was inscribed the popular scripture from Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do … Continue reading “Be Strong & Courageous”: Why Are We Still Afraid?
You’re More Than Your Labels
Don't allow your labels to define your identify. You're more than your labels. We're made to believe that we fit certain demographics. The world of big data, targeted marketing, and political segregation fits each of us nicely into "our" segments. Skin color. Gender. Education. Income-level. Sexual preference. Political affiliation. Ethnic background. Veteran status. Religious affiliation. … Continue reading You’re More Than Your Labels
Lessons from Joshua’s Final Addresses to Israel
As one of the most renown and successful men in the Old Testament, Joshua stands out as a God-fearing leader. His exploits are well-known, assuming command from Moses, conquering the promised land for the nation of Israel, and delivering upon the richness of God's promises made to Abraham so many years before. His words and … Continue reading Lessons from Joshua’s Final Addresses to Israel
Wellspring of Life
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." (Abraham Lincoln) When we're tired, hungry, or stressed, we're generally not much use. We're running at a diminished capacity. Do you know just when you feel like going out of your way to help others? When … Continue reading Wellspring of Life
Bold Proclamations
Jesus is Christ, the Son of the Living God. Hey, eye-rollers! Yeah, you. How many of you rolled your eyes with reading that statement. Raise your hands! How many of you stopped reading altogether? I would say, "Raise your hands!" but you didn't stick around for the rest of this discussion. It's amazing how that … Continue reading Bold Proclamations
Bright, Shining, Glorious Lights
Need an outlet for confusion? Frustration? Anger? Smile. Even if you're the first one. Hand out some compliments. Even if you aren't receiving them. Give a pat on the back. Even if your own remains untouched. Be a light. A bright, shining, glorious light! I read recently that, "Struggling souls catch light from other souls … Continue reading Bright, Shining, Glorious Lights
Faith is not Blind
I am a free thinker. I am a Christian. Both. One can, surprisingly, be both. I’ve been told recently that blind faith “must be nice.” It’s not! My faith isn’t blind. It’s tested and tried, each and every day. If you have a God that requires your faith to be blind, I’d say that’s a … Continue reading Faith is not Blind
Heaven: A Prepared Place
“Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” Heard this statement during our lesson Sunday morning. It resonates. Want to go to Heaven? Me too. And we must be prepared. To be prepared, we must seek and find the truth. And we must seek that truth first and above all! “Seek ye first the … Continue reading Heaven: A Prepared Place
Be Strong & Courageous! 