The Great Deception

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!—James 2:19 (ESV)

According to a September study published by Pew Research Center, the number of Americans identifying as Christians has fallen from about 90 percent in the 1990s to 63 percent, particularly as young adults continually reject the faith of their parents. What surprises me, however, is not (more…)

Stealing, Killing and Destroying

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.—John 10:10 (NIV)

Two weeks after we moved into our current house, we came home to find someone had been inside while we had been at church. The door was still locked. No windows were broken. No valuables, some (more…)

In the Face of Discouragement

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things (more…)

Imperfect Resolutions

For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. – Psalm 27:10

Recently I shared about the death of someone whose lies had caused estrangement in a significant relationship in my life. Every day of the more than four years that followed brought me fresh heartache. I prayed, and many prayed with me, for resolution.

It (more…)

Death and Judgment: The Universal Experience

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment . . . – Hebrews 9:27

The other day I learned thirdhand about the death of someone who hurt me deeply a few years ago and caused a significant relationship to be estranged. My first reaction was sorrow for her soul, remembering her indifference when I (more…)