David was the last one we would have chosen to fight the giant, but he was chosen of God. –D.L. Moody, evangelist Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.” But the men who had gone up with him […]
“Are you kidding me?” We don’t know Mary’s exact words when she learned she’d have to transport her highly pregnant body some 70 miles or more from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but it’s safe to assume neither she nor Joseph cherished the thought. After “volunteering” to bring the Jewish Messiah into the world, the soon-to-be parents […]
Last year, my wife Debi and I took a cruise to celebrate our 30th anniversary. It was an awesome experience—probably the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever taken. One of the blessings in disguise was having minimal access to the internet. As the end of our trip neared, I realized that all of the negativity on […]
I write Christian books. It’s what I do. Sometimes my research takes me to one of my favorite works: a massive 11-volume set titled, The Story of Civilization by historian Will Durant. Durant’s historical accounts are marked by periodic and profound insights such as: It is in governments to degenerate; for power, as Shelly said, […]
My father-in-law (Ted) passed away several months back. It was a difficult time for the entire family as we lost a man we dearly loved. Understandably, my mother-in-law got the worst of the deal. Not only did she lose her faithful husband of almost 60 years, her entire way of life was radically changed. Working […]
I wanted to write a blog post after the terrorist attacks killed 130 people in Paris, but it’s been difficult for me to put words to type. In part, I felt the need to show respect for those who died and their families. And in part, I’ve been at a genuine loss for words. What […]
I can envision the scenario: Facing relentless pressure from some evangelical Christians, Starbucks decides to abandon its minimalist red cup Christmas design. Soon, happy little images of dancing snowflakes, smiling Santas, and ornamented trees revive the “true spirit” of Christmas. Employees and patrons are overwhelmed. One customer—upon receiving his Christmas Cookie Frappuccino (with an added […]
Several years ago, some friends invited me to join them for the home opener of the newly crowned (again) Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Going through the front gate, we were each given a “free” Steelers poster to be decorated with stickers that could be purchased at local grocery stores. When I calculated the cost […]
On September 22, 1955, not long before dark, 14-year-old Dave Hickman was out hunting with his grandfather when he heard an odd cooing sound. Spurred to investigate, the young man walked about 150 feet and climbed on top of a fence. Looking down, he spied an infant girl lying in the weeds, wrapped in a […]
The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered another heartbreaking loss this week in their season-ending Wild Card game. After such a great season, it’s difficult to stomach the overall circumstances leading to their early exit from the MLB playoffs. Thankfully, hockey season is now beginning … and the professional football season is well under way… and I can […]
