STOP! Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid
That phrase may sound a little dated, but the lesson behind it is timeless. It came from one of the most tragic examples of blind followership in history — people swallowing a lie that cost them everything. And while we shake our heads and say, How could they believe that lie? But, we aren’t always…
Why We Call It Good Friday
It doesn’t feel “good” at first glance. It was the darkest day in human history. The Savior of the world was betrayed by a kiss, dragged through mock trials, falsely accused, brutally beaten, and humiliated. A crown of thorns was pressed into His head, His back whipped with metal-laced cords. He was nailed to a…
Spy Wednesday — When Betrayal Met the Light
It’s called Spy Wednesday for a reason. This was the day Judas Iscariot — one of the twelve, a disciple handpicked by Jesus — made a secret deal with the chief priests. Thirty silver coins. The price of a slave. The weight of betrayal. Last Sunday night, we saw “The Chosen — Season 5, Episode…
Stolen Jewelry and a Stubbed Toe
It was a typical Wednesday at the Vincentian Family Center — laughing with volunteers, helping shoppers find treasures, and watching joy unfold in unexpected places. Whether someone came looking for a bargain or just curiosity brought them in, one thing was certain: needs were being met, and hearts were being lifted. Where else can you…
God Is Still Writing Our Story
Ever read a book and wish you could skip a few chapters? Maybe the tension is too high, the plot twist too painful, or the ending feels uncertain. But here’s the thing — if we skip the hard parts, we miss the redemption, the restoration, the beauty that comes when the Author ties it all…
Take That and…..That!
Before watching the “Jesus Revolution” movie, we were entertained with the trailers of upcoming movies. After watching the trailer to the “Big George Foreman” true-story movie, I knew I wanted to see it! I bought tickets in advance and saw it on Thursday. The movie gives an up close and personal view of a broken,…
Don’t Stop Believing and Building
I just finished my daily readings of the Old Testament in my Chronological Bible. But today I want to share the recent story I read there before I speak to the beauty of the New Testament in days to come. It is the story of Nehemiah and the building of Jerusalem’s wall. I’ve had plenty…
Redemption Time
A blast from the past! Most of you youngsters won’t remember S&H Green Stamps, but my peers will. We remember when would receive them at check-out counters of supermarkets, department stores and gasoline stations as rewards for shopping in their store. I well remember collecting as many books of 1200 stamps as possible. That would…
Are We Good at “Christianing”?
We, Christian (Christ-like) folks think we’re pretty decent people. You know, we have all those “good” things to our credit: going to church, tithing, giving offerings, wearing a cross necklace, attending a Bible Study, volunteering for a charity. How could anyone think we are anything but wonderful? I think of myself as being a pretty…
This Painting is Worth the Search
I spotted this painting in Larry’s office. It’s considered a treasure to he and Staci because Payton, their son, painted it for them years ago. In terms of value in dollars and cents, it might not have a high sticker price at the At Home store. But in terms of value in sentiment – priceless.…