Perhaps more than ever, we are aware of our need for self-care. Ina busy, burn-out world, God’s people are called to rest, be still, and just “be” in the presence of God. But can self-care become selfish? Can a focus on ourselves go too far? Do we need to relearn the rhythms of exhausting work and actual rest?

“Didn’t Jesus say you shouldn’t judge?” Many people who know very little about the Bible know this much, namely, that Jesus had issues with people judging. Is that true? If so, wouldn’t it be wrong to judge another person for theirjudgment attitude? Or to confront someone for abusing a child? Or to look down on anyone for their racist views? These questions force us to think twice about what Jesus hasto say about judging so that we can judge in Jesus’ way.

“Didn’t Jesus say you shouldn’t judge?” Many people who know very little about the Bible know this much, namely, that Jesus had issues with people judging. Is that true? If so, wouldn’t it be wrong to judge another person for theirjudgment attitude? Or to confront someone for abusing a child? Or to look down on anyone for their racist views? These questions force us to think twice about what Jesus hasto say about judging so that we can judge in Jesus’ way.

Everyone agrees that love, in general, is good. But not everyone agrees that love, in specific instances, is equally good. How does one determine which love passes the morality test? Religion? Local culture? Personal feelings? Mutual consent? Does true love require more nuance than what our “love is love is love is love” culture currently tells us?

Everyone agrees that love, in general, is good. But not everyone agrees that love, in specific instances, is equally good. How does one determine which love passes the morality test? Religion? Local culture? Personal feelings? Mutual consent? Does true love require more nuance than what our “love is love is love is love” culture currently tells us?

You are wonderfully and uniquely designed by the God who has never once made a mistake. Therefore, you should be true to yourself. Be authentically you. Don’t hide yourself or fit into the mold made by those who don’t know your heart. Few messages are more often heard in our day than “Be you.” What should followers of Jesus make of this? Does our Father call us to be ourselves? Or is he offering us something much harder (and much better)?

You are wonderfully and uniquely designed by the God who has never once made a mistake. Therefore, you should be true to yourself. Be authentically you. Don’t hide yourself or fit into the mold made by those who don’t know your heart. Few messages are more often heard in our day than “Be you.” What should followers of Jesus make of this? Does our Father call us to be ourselves? Or is he offering us something much harder (and much better)?

God told me. God called me. God spoke to me. I felt God leading me, moving me, telling me to...What should we make of these often-heard statements? Is God whispering to each of us in a quiet voice that only those who still their souls can hear? What about those who were convinced that God spoke to them only later to find out that he didn’t? How can we confidently know that we have heard the voice of God? 

God told me. God called me. God spoke to me. I felt God leading me, moving me, telling me to...What should we make of these often-heard statements? Is God whispering to each of us in a quiet voice that only those who still their souls can hear? What about those who were convinced that God spoke to them only later to find out that he didn’t? How can we confidently know that we have heard the voice of God? 

It seems obvious that objective evidence should trump subjective opinion. Perhaps that is why scientists and their latest discoveries are frequently cited as the ultimate authority. But should modern people trust the “real” scientific conclusions of the 1700’s? 1800’s? 1900’s? If not, to what degree should we put our absolute trust in scientific matters today? How can a follower of Jesus thank God for scientific progress without turning today’s scientific theories into their preferred religion?