Yup, I’m about to go there … “To trick-or-treat, or not to trick-or-treat, that is the question…” To answer this controversial question, let’s look at holidays in general. Why do we celebrate certain occasions? American holidays like Memorial Day and Mother’s Day spring from historical events and the desire to honor people. Other holidays go back further to distant lands and cultures. Christmas, birthdays and Halloween all have roots in ancient pagan practices. Christians began subtracting certain elements and adding others as a way of redeeming those occasions. We’ve done Continue Reading
7 Other Effective Prayers for the Sick (Besides Asking for Healing)
It was a freak accident. The energetic, talented nineteen-year-old decided to try a back flip and landed wrong. The impact snapped his C2 vertebra, instantly paralyzing him from the neck down. In the aftermath of Kevin's injury, his family and many faithful friends prayed hard and often for his healing -- and they started to see some miracles. Having sustained the same injury as actor Christopher Reeves did years ago, Kevin should be on a ventilator 24 hours a day. He should not be able to move on his own. Yet Kevin is off the ventilator during his waking hours. He can manipulate Continue Reading
What to Teach Your Kids about Marriage in a World that Doesn’t Get It
Remember the wedding scene in the movie Princess Bride, when the priest with the speech impediment waxes eloquent about “Mauwage?” Much is being tossed about on the subject these days. I’m not sure if “mauwage” has ever been more misunderstood or devalued than it is today. Your children are facing a world that’s considerably different than it was even a generation ago. In our culture, even for those who see themselves as believers, it’s considered okay for couples to simply co-habitate or co-parent. Since marriage is viewed as an optional commitment between two people who love Continue Reading
How to Thrive When You’re in a Spiritual Desert
If you've followed Jesus for any length of time, you've probably been there. That vast, empty wilderness of soul where everything looks the same. No landmarks. No water. The dry place. You sing worship songs that once lifted your spirit, but now they're just nice words set to pretty notes. There's no emotional connection to the meaning. You open your Bible and try to read. After a few minutes of staring at the pages, your eyes glaze over. Your mind is numb, your spirit disconnected. You try to pray. It's all you can do to get the words out and over your lips. You know God Continue Reading