This will be said many times in the days to come: few Christians have had a larger impact on the world than evangelist Billy Graham—in all of history. He will be remembered for his character, his accomplishments, and his amazing connections with global leaders over many decades. We will also remember him for his words—and […]
Billy Graham — Character Matters Read More »
[Special Note: Easter is April 1. Available now, the Easter devotional, KNOWING HIM. Get it now, start 3 weeks of daily readings on Sunday, March 11. The life and teachings of Jesus are worth a lifetime of study, contemplation, and application. So too his death and resurrection. Jesus made it very clear that he had a purpose
Developing Discernment Read More »
If you had a really difficult decision to make today that was complicated and would affect the rest of your life, what kind of person would you go to for advice? You’d be smart if you sought out one or more people whom you know to have a lot of wisdom—and you yourself would be
One of the most common spiritual issues is why it seems at times like God is silent. “O God of my praise, Do not be silent!” (Psalm 109:1). This is a plea voiced by numerous authors of Scripture. There are many different circumstances which may give us a sense that God is silent. When we
When It Seems God Is Silent Read More »
Some years back, I did a survey of our church’s congregation with the simple question: “If you could ask God one thing, what would it be?” I was not surprised that the most frequent response had to do with the problem of evil in the world, but I was struck by the next most common
How Can We Hear God’s Voice in Scripture? Read More »
We live in an age of information overload. Bombarded by messages on radio and television, billboards and magazine ads, phone mail, email, text messages, Facebook, and Twitter, each of our days is like crossing a river with a strong and unpredictable current. Shut your eyes and just think for a moment how many voices and
Going Deeper in an Age of Information Overload Read More »
Occasionally someone will say, because they have heard compelling things about Eva, “I wish I had known her.” I always choke up. It honors her, and us. And I think, I so wish there was more time for that to happen. Today, January 16, is the day Eva entered the world at Elmbrook Hospital, 31
Tribute – a father’s reflections Read More »
The only way to live a stable, healthy, and fruitful life, is to live in reality. There are many ways by which we could live in fantasies and illusions that will set us up for certain disappointment and maybe worse. The fantasy that we are able to have or control whatever we wish is one.
Though all people are created with conscience—the ability to sense the difference between right and wrong, or good, better, and best—it is possible for to become so hard-hearted that is seems one does not even have a conscience. Conscience is part of the hard wiring of human beings created in God’s image. Romans 2 says
Guilt and Shame in Everyday Life Read More »
We all know, deep inside, that we need some basic values that can keep our lives on track, keep us out of trouble, and lead us toward virtue rather than vice. In the modern world one value that sometimes is raised above all others is “be true to yourself.” Or “let your conscience be your
Voice of Conscience Read More »
[Special note… see Mel Lawrenz’s “A Prayer for the Christmas Season,” text, printable PDF, or audio HERE.] It is inevitable that, when we talk about “living the Bible,” our minds will drift toward verses and passages that are commands or laws which seem to beckon us toward obedience to God. “You shall not commit adultery,”
What is the Role of “Law” in Living the Bible? Read More »
You may have friends or family members whom you want to encourage. Books are excellent Christmas gifts because they are meaningful, they can keep giving for years, they send a message, they can be shared, they can be easily mailed. Books can change lives. Books can transfer eternal truths. Below you’ll find links to six
Books Make Excellent Christmas Gifts Read More »
It is hard not to be utterly dismayed by the lack of basic morality in society today. It is a crisis within the lives of individuals, in groups and organizations, and in institutions. And at the highest levels of leadership it is challenging to find men and women of unassailable moral character—not sinlessness, but basic
Moral Crisis, Moral Possibilities Read More »
[Special note… see Mel Lawrenz’s “A Prayer for the Christmas Season,” text, printable PDF, or audio HERE.] _________________________ Some people live their lives disconnected from reality. There is nothing solid beneath their feet because their view of life is based on some fantasy. They may have been raised on lies and so they perpetuate the
When believers talk about believing the Bible, respecting the Bible, following the Bible, but do exactly the opposite, the resulting damage is enormous. It damages the reputation of the church. It gives skeptics and doubters reasons to disregard the Bible. It defiles the name of Christ. It would be better that we not talk about
The Barriers of Ignorance and Hypocrisy Read More »