This Week The Christian and the Government Just those two words together might make you squirm a bit and probably with good reason. Fear not, no preacher here will tell you how to vote. You’ll have to decide that for yourself. But the Spirit guides all of our lives, including our relationship with and responsibility…

This Week Lord, give me patience . . . You know how that petition concludes, “And give it to me right now!” You know some people who are given to demonstrating patience sometimes, but no one does so all the time. Something “sets off” everyone. What is it you have no patience for? In Romans…

This Week Why are you so gifted? That question might make you sit up a little taller. I suppose that’s because we focus on the last two words and congratulate ourselves. There might be something to that. After all, the Bible does say each of us is uniquely gifted by God. But let your eyes…

This Week Oh, my Have you gazed upon the infinity of the heavens, the vastness of the sea, or the beauty of a child and muttered, “Oh, my.” It’s not just that you don’t know the words to say, it’s that words can’t express what you’re feeling. Paul does something like that at the end…

This Week Remnant response Do you know any World War II veterans? Probably not—few are left. Maybe you are part of a group that you would call a remnant. It could be original homeowners in your neighborhood. It could be smartphone holdouts. At one point in our world, 100% of the population knew the true…

This Week Testimony In the church, the word testimony makes some uncomfortable. It conjures up images of a tearful speech, filled with regret and sadness but then ending with happy outcomes and more ups than downs. Fear not, this Sunday is not “Testimony Day.” You won’t be asked to “give your testimony.” Yet, according to Romans 10, every…

This Week Trying to do too much Have you heard that phrase? Used that phrase? Maybe the context was “overacting” in a drama setting or refusing to take a break from work. Can we try to do too much in our spiritual lives? In Romans 10, Paul describes a zeal not based on knowledge. It…

This Week The right of way Have you seen a little quiz or game that asks you what road sign most accurately describes you? Maybe those in the throes of raising children can relate best to speed limit – 70 (or 140). Perhaps a series of rejections in life has you feeling like your motto is do not enter.…

This Week The gift of love How do you respond when someone gives you a gift? Do you ask, “Where did you get that? Where did it come from? Where did you buy it? How did you buy it?” Or do you just enjoy it? God has given you a gift that by faith in…

This Week Security We love security. We must. We have security systems, security alarms, and security dogs. We talk about national security. We want secure jobs. We diversify our financial resources for security. We put some of our money in securities because we aren’t sure social security is all that secure. We buy deodorant, mouthwash,…