Freedom’s value is in its use
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). As Americans, we understand well…
Q&A: Why does it seem like Christianity is so negative?
Whenever I go to church, it seems like the pastor is always talking about sin, Satan, and hell. Why does it seem like Christianity is so negative? The Christian is…
Planting seeds
Confessing your faith, even at difficult times, plants the seed of the gospel. A local high school senior asked if I would come to her interfaith club’s evening event to…
Don’t turn away
Journeying with Jesus to the cross is not a pretty sight. It’s uncomfortable. It’s necessary. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. As a school-aged girl, I attended a passion play with family…
Devotion: Not my kind of king
“When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee’ ” (Matthew 21:10,11). There…
Honoring government through sacrifice
Jesus’ actions during Holy Week provide an example of how we can honor him through the sacrifices we make to honor our government. “Not my president.” “Not my governor.” “Not…
Devotion: Joyful repentance
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their…
Moments of decision
Jesus decided to continue on his journey to the cross for us. A moment of decision. As Jesus’ disciples argued about who was the greatest, would the Savior of the…
A thought: Happy birthday, Brother!
Birthday parties for family members are most often special events—the candles, the cake, the presents, and then the pictures. Years later we trot out the pictures to remember the young…