GOOD FRIDAY

Reflections on a Difficult Day

Good Friday has always been difficult to navigate. Easter is much easier. I know how to feel on Easter. I know what to say on Easter. Good Friday, on the other hand, is awkward. How do you greet people on Good Friday? “Happy Good Friday?” That doesn’t sound right. When you think about it, Good […]

Mary at the Crucifixion

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME TWO

The Male-Female Relationship in the First Creation Narrative

The role of women in the church is an issue that concerns many Christians, especially in the Evangelical world. While most mainline Protestant churches settled this issue years ago, most evangelical churches are only beginning to wrestle with what the Scriptures reveal, and how to apply it in the twenty-first century. [1]   The Debate […]

creation

IT’S A MAD, MAD WORLD

Five Things Happy People Learn from Jesus

There is a certain amount of anger, anxiety, and angst in our nation today. The news networks, rife with conflict, discord, and disdain, may only be a reflection of us. The Jerry Springer Show, now in its 28th season, has proven that we all love to see a good train wreck. We seem to enjoy […]

It's a mad, mad world

3 BIG LESSONS FOR SUCCESS

Three Jesus Lessons for Success in Life

Jesus taught and modeled the perfect life. Following his example is a life-long endeavor. I’ll never do it perfectly – God didn’t ask me to be perfect, he asked me to be faithful. He just wants to know that I’m trying. So, here are three BIG things I’ve learned from Jesus about how to live […]

studying Jesus

FOUR MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WITH THE BIBLE

Common Mistakes People Make When Interpreting the Bible

Christians have always struggled with interpreting the Bible. Most of Jesus’ arguments with the religious leaders of his day were over how to interpret the Bible (Torah). The way we approach the Bible will inevitably impact our conclusions. Here are four general observations about some common mistakes people make when trying to understand the Bible. […]

reading

BUILDING EMOTIONAL HEALTH

3 Lessons from Jesus and 12 Practical Tips for Emotional Health

Our society is obsessed with staying in shape. We spend thousands of dollars on gym equipment and memberships, supplements, and the latest fad diets. Not so much with emotional health. Yet, study after study has shown that of the two – emotional health has the dominant impact on our lives. Emotional health will, in many […]

Building Emotional Health

HOW TO BE CONTENT IN ALL SEASONS

Seven Practices to Find Contentment Today

Life can be very hectic. We have more ways to connect with others and yet loneliness and depression continue to plague us. We have access to more career opportunities than ever before, yet restlessness seems to abound. We have more comfort and security than ever before, yet fear and anxiety continue to climb. What will […]

finding peace

LIFE LESSONS FROM JESUS

Five Life Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Sooner

Life experience is the best teacher. The people you meet, obstacles you overcome, trials you face, victories you win, and failures you suffer – all serve to shape you into the person God wants you to be. Jesus suffered everything you suffer and was shaped by it into the perfect human being. Here are five […]

Life Lessons

DOES GOD WANT ME TO BE HAPPY?

Lies We Believe About the Christian Life

Does Jesus want his followers to be happy? The answer may surprise you. Ultimately, your happiness is not his primary concern. What does Jesus say about being his disciple? Where on God’s scale of importance is your personal happiness? Here I address a lie people often believe about the Christian life. An American Heresy There […]

Happy Girl