The day after Thanksgiving – the one-year anniversary of Robyn’s death – Melissa shared something with me. It was a reflection she had penned on life as we presently know it. She thought about what she would say to Robyn if she had the opportunity to chat with her for a few minutes. As I … Continue reading To Bless the Lord: A Guest Post by Melissa Stearns
Recently I have been teaching through Baptist beliefs in Sunday School. Last week we discussed the idea of individual freedom in regards to belief and church membership. One of the key aspects of a Baptist church is the idea of voluntary association. In some church models, for example the Catholic church, membership is often involuntary. … Continue reading Can a Speeding Ticket Change Your Heart?
Note: This article was originally published in February of 2024. Somehow it became a draft again and I haven’t been able to restore it without republishing. If this feels like déjà vu when you read it, you’re not crazy! The valley is so dark sometimes. I have written about this a little in a previous … Continue reading God Doesn’t Owe Me Kindness
All your friends sit in your living room, having just dined sumptuously at your table, and now take up residence on your furniture. Tea and coffee have been served all around and a lively conversation keeps on going. In a bit, you will break out a game of Settlers of Catan or maybe something more relaxed, like Carcassonne. Much … Continue reading Better Than a Party
Wormwood, My worst demon, how are you doing? I’ve heard you’ve moved into aesthetics with your human. Yes, yes, nakedness is a great play with most humans. But have you considered the shame factor? Of course the human is aware that nudity is sin. Alluring? Yes. Damning? Almost certainly. But remember that a sin like porneia gets … Continue reading Screwtape’s Favorite Song
Iowa Regular Baptist Camp at night 42 high-school aged guys huddled in the men's staff cabin at a camp. They were from every corner of the state with a few sprinkled in from out of the state. Many serving for a second or third time in the summer. Lifeguards, kitchen staff, archery, maintenance . . … Continue reading Whose life is it anyway?
It was a Tuesday morning. Coffee was making its usual errands through my system. My laptop was lighting the room from the couch that I was sitting on. It was a normal morning in my living room. How many times have I sat drinking coffee and typing on my laptop in the last few years? … Continue reading The Sound of Crutches Down the Hall – Thinking About Ambush Grief
Sunday Leftovers is an occasional series which shares a few "morsels" from the Sunday sermon. Some leftovers taste better the next day, but God's word always tastes good, no matter when you chew on it. So enjoy the "leftovers" from my pastor's ministry! Running from Responsibilities The first morsel I want to let you "chew … Continue reading Sunday Leftovers – Resting in God’s Presence
It really shouldn't be, should it? We know His character is both loving and gracious. A simple survey of the Bible makes this plain. Even in the Old Testament, when we read of the many wicked kings in Israel, we still see that God is merciful and gracious to His people. His people that really … Continue reading When God’s Grace is Unexpected
Robyn wanted her testimony read at her funeral. With a patch over one eye to stop her double vision, and with a finger on her iPhone’s swipe keyboard, Robyn composed her testimony. Sometimes she was able to use her laptop, but the awkward angle of her hospital bed didn't always allow this. But no matter … Continue reading Robyn’s Testimony: Her Final Words to the World
Thoughts Worth Thinking 