 From The Strong-willed Child, by Dr. James Dobson, 1978, pages 181-182.    My daughter has a pet hamster (uncreatively named ‘Hammy’) who has a passion for freedom.  He spends a portion of every night gnawing on the metal bars of his cage and forcing his head through the trap door.  Recently I sat watching […]
3043) Longing to Be Free Read More »
“The Truth Shall Set You Free”   ————————————    My favorite living author is Philip Yancey. He has written more than 25 books over the last 50 years, and I have read all of them at least once.  His mother, who you will hear about today, never read a single one. She raised
3023) Sunday Worship #12 Read More »
Image above: Full-page ad encouraging membership in the White Citizens’ Council, from The Selma Times-Journal, June 9,1963. ****************************** Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, in Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony, 1989, pages 110-111. ———————————–    An old pastor was serving in a small Southern town in the throes of the 1950’s school desegregation
3016) “I Am Ashamed of You” Read More »
A Meditation based on the Ten Commandments and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism Explanations SELF-EXAMINATION: Our Father in heaven, you have said, “I am the Lord your God,” and you have commanded us to have no other gods before you: Lord, we pray that you give us the faith to fear, love, and trust in you above all
2994) The Ten Commandments Read More »
Today’s meditation was written by retired pastor Chris Brekke, a long-time friend of mine. He posts a thrice-weekly, wise and witty devotional reading on his website titled Seasoned Hope, which can be found at:  https://pcbrek2020.wordpress.com ********************************    As I was pushing the cart out to my car at the grocery store, I stopped
Many people have given up on faith in Jesus Christ because of what they have seen in the lives of Christians.  In these two passages from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass (circa 1818-1895) describes the importance of distinguishing between believing in Christ, and believing in those who say they follow Christ.  The lives of Christians should be
2978) Let Your Light Shine Read More »
In the opening story of yesterday’s meditation on Biblical parenting, a mother was overheard recommending yelling as a way to handle the misbehavior of children. In the following bit of wisdom, Christian author James Dobson describes why anger and yelling are ineffective motivators. Discipline is crucial, said this author of a best-selling book titled Dare
2958) Anger: An Ineffective Motivator Read More »
   (…continued) It is not for me to judge Harvey or Walter. But I tell their stories to help you understand this for your own life. First of all, you must not take for granted God’s grace like Harvey. Secondly, you need not be filled with anxiety like Walter. As always, the Bible will be
2951) Can it Be That Easy? (3/3) Read More »
   (…continued) Can it be that easy?    The Christians in Rome thought so. The Apostle Paul faced that same question. So, after five chapters of going on and on about grace, in chapter six verse one Paul says: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may
2950) Can it Be That Easy? (2/3) Read More »
From my July 20, 2025 sermon at Faithpoint Lutheran Church, New Prague, Minnesota —————————- Â Â Â Mickey Cohen (1913-1976; pictured above) was a major player in the world of organized crime in the 1940s and 50s. Â He spent several years in and out of prison, but when he was out, he moved about freely and
2949) Can it Be That Easy? (1/3) Read More »
