Jesus says, "Don't worry."But we worry.  Jesus said the flowers don't worry.  The birds don't worry.  He says we can learn from them.The last Barna research shows that the temptation with which people most struggle is worry.http://www.barna.org/culture-articles/597-new-years-resolutions-temptations-and-americas-favorite-sinsJesus' answer to worry?  "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness."

I write the Sunday religion column for the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette in Champaign, IL.  I am nearing the 600 mark.  When I first started writing the column years ago, I remember going to my wife after I had written my third column and saying, "I have told them everything I know.  I have nothing else toContinue reading "Writing a religion column…"

     Today I was standing in my sun room, looking out the window and watching it snow.  My friend John Deppe built that room in 2004.  John died August 8 this year (1942-2012).      He was a wonderful man.  John was gentle, quiet and he could build or fix anything!  I mean anything.  John had builtContinue reading "Rembering a good friend"

I am thinking of New Year's Resolutions in 2013.  I think the title is: How to lead a very disciplined life that leads to tiny, incremental change.  Whew! ... That's how the walk of faith often feels. 

This is a good book by Daniel Fountain that I read this week.  Two weeks ago I met Fountain at a conference up in Wisconsin.  Fountain was a missionary surgeon in Zaire/Congo for 35 years.  He believes in healing for the total person ... body, soul, mind, spirit.  He is past 80 years of ageContinue reading "God, Medicine and Miracles"

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." Luke 22:31-----* The you in Jesus' word to Simon Peter is plural, indicating Satan wanted all the disciples, not just Simon Peter.* Jesus specifically prayed, "I do not ask thatContinue reading "Resist the devil, friends, resist!"

Luke 22 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayedContinue reading "Sobering verses during Lent"

People say, "I'm not sure what God has called me to do."  They wonder about the will of God for their lives.  Jesus, too, sought His Father's will.  He said he only did what he saw the Father doing.  And after 3 years of life and ministry he was able to say these incredible words:JohnContinue reading "Engage, work, finish the task"