Nobody wants to be a wimp. You like the idea of being the hero who saves the day, right? Me, too.     Courage is an important virtue. Without it, we fail  to stand up for ourselves and others. We let evil rule while we run for cover.   Remember  the beginning of "It's a Wonderful Life," starring Jimmy Stewart? Clarence, the angel assigned to help George Bailey,  wants to know what George is struggling with.   "Is he sick?" he queries.   "Worse," comes the reply. "He's discouraged."   Or the moment in "Toy Story" when Buzz Light Year realizes he is Continue Reading

It's the mantra of the day: "I try not to judge people." Popular sayings roll off the tongue so easily, don't they? Problem is, popular doesn't always equal wise.     As with other commonly held philosophies, Christians can get confused and believe this way of looking at things is biblical. After all, Jesus said we shouldn't judge, right?   Yes, but let's take a closer look:   “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in Continue Reading

Well, that's a weird thing to say. Aren't good deeds part of the Christian life? Isn't the world full of needs?   Yes, and yes. Let's examine the difference between a goal and a by-product.   Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." -- Matt. 28:19-20.   Our goal as Christians -- the Great Commission -- is to make disciples of Jesus. In doing so, we show mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with our Continue Reading

You've heard the remark, right? Or even said it yourself? Sorry about the hard time you're going through ... I'm sending you an angel!   It's a nice sentiment, but there's just one problem. Okay, several problems. Let's take a quick look at what the Bible has to say on the subject.   Hebrews 1:14 says, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"   "They" refers to angels, which that whole chapter talks about.   Angels are spirits created by God, whose job is to serve people -- specifically, Continue Reading