There is something hopeful about a fresh start. Starting a new job, moving into a new house, buying a new car. There is so much optimism when starting a new diet or workout routine. Usually, you begin a new diet or to work out on a Monday because it is a new week. This is...

I greatly dislike waiting, and standing in line for something drives me crazy! I was reminded of this last week in Bismarck when our family’s dining decision was Wendy’s drive thru, a decision which dad unilaterally adjusted when he saw the drive-up line some 9 cars deep; truth be told, the time it took me...

Once there was a Father who had several sons, who were constantly arguing and fighting with each other. The father often tried to teach his children the importance of being at peace with each other, but they would not listen. He knew that their lack of unity would lead them to misfortune. One day when...

Our church family has experienced much opportunity to weep this week–multiple deaths of loved ones, trial and hardship in families, cancer diagnosis, and the imminent passing of loved ones all provide occasion of weeping and grief. In the midst of this week, it was placed on my heart to share a message titled “A Word...

When our boys lived with us they often prepared and cooked their own meals. If Gloria told them once, she told them 100 times that, “I don’t care about the mess you make cooking, just be SURE you clean up afterwards!” And, usually they did, albeit not to Gloria’s standards perhaps, but they tried nonetheless!...

Genuineness is a very important concept in our lives. I remember as a kid signing baseballs with the names of famous players and trying to pawn them off to unsuspecting youngsters on the bus. Don’t worry, they weren’t fooled and somehow figured out that the “Babe Ruth” and “Henry Aaron” signatures might not be real....

As we continue to look at how we are to live as ‘exiles’ and ‘strangers’, this week we will journey to John 15:1-11. In these verses Jesus offers us a magnificent picture of what it is to “abide in Me” and as we look to His words we will find encouragement and exhortation as well...

In my own little world, there has been lots of moving pieces these last few weeks. Amidst a COVID contact quarantine and COVID infection in our immediate family, a difficult season of health and transition in the life of a father-in-law, an election that poses significant and potentially ominous forebodings for our Christian faith, and...

We do not have to look too far today to see the evidence of hatred in our country. The media glories in stories of hatred and violence and it seems as if everyone, even Christians, hate each other. We are a country divided by ideology, race, gender, political parties and religious doctrines. Our society is...

We are coming into an incredibly important week in the life of our nation as we prepare to cast a ballot for President. Always a significant moment in our national life, this year’s election is poised to be even more so as the contrast between parties, candidates, and policies is so dramatically different. I suspect...