The Next Chapter
Jan 14, 2010
By Jonathan Daugherty

A Follow Up on Dennis Jasso's Story

Some articles are harder to write than others. This one may be the hardest. Some of you may know the story of Dennis Jasso from our 2009 year-end newsletter. For those of you who don't, Dennis is a man who was charged in 2008 with possession of child porn and has been plugged into our ministry (& Shadow of His Wings) for recovery help ever since.

My New Year's "Anti-Resolutions"
Jan 4, 2010
By Jonathan Daugherty

"To be alive is to be broken; to be broken is to stand in need of grace. It is only through grace that any of us could dare to hope that we could become more like Christ."

-- Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

Sometimes to improve, you must remove. To enhance, you must lance. Increasing might require decreasing. You get the idea. For example, to improve your health might require reducing or eliminating certain foods from your plate and other practices from your routine. Or, to get your finances healthy, you might need to eliminate debt and curb undisciplined spending. Less can be more.

What is Advent, Really?
Dec 1, 2009
By Lee Sherry

Waiting is not something most of us desire. We are able to warm up meals in seconds through the technology of microwave ovens. We communicate globally through the Internet. We have cell phones for instant communication through voice and text messaging and many other sophisticated devices to keep us plugged in and up to date every second. But Advent Season is a time of waiting—of looking forward with anticipation. You might ask, to what?

The Joy in...Trials?
Oct 28, 2009
By Jonathan Daugherty

I've been studying the book of James lately. Well, more reading and re-reading than actual "study." But God seems to speak most personally to me when I just commit to meditating on various sections of Scripture. One such portion I have pondered recently is James 1:2 - "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy." (NLT)

Trials as opportunities for joy. Hmm...

Why Faithfulness Matters
Sep 10, 2009
By Jonathan Daugherty

Have you noticed that the value placed on faithfulness has plummeted in recent years? It seems that everywhere you turn in our culture the message against being faithful is growing louder and louder. The idea of staying committed to one person in marriage for a lifetime is portrayed as antiquated and silly. From the White House to the Waffle House this mantra is resounding: me, me, me.

But I Don't Want to Obey!
Aug 19, 2009
By Jonathan Daugherty

We have all said at one time or another in our lives (whether out loud or silently in our heads), "But I don't want to ______." And whatever fills in the blank is irrelevant. When our will is set against something, there is usually only one of two outcomes that occurs: 1) You get your way and don't engage in the activity demanded, or 2) You are overpowered to do the activity against your will. In either of these outcomes, it is rare that the activity is performed or avoided with a positive heart attitude. The will is essentially tied to attitude.

Self-Esteem is Wrong!
Jul 30, 2009
By Jonathan Daugherty

I expect that many who begin to read this article will do so with a bad taste in their mouth, having taken offense at the title alone. And it is precisely such an individual that I hope will read this article to the end because I believe you are the one who needs to hear its message most (and just so you know, I was offended writing the title; so I need this message just as badly!). The truth is, self-esteem is flat out incorrect thinking. Period.

Freedom (in)Dependence
Jul 1, 2009
By Jonathan Daugherty

July 4th is a significant day for Americans each year. It is a day in which every citizen of the United States is invited to pause, reflect, and celebrate the liberty our nation's forefathers provided through their sacrifice and resolve. We remember such significant historical documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation. We are reminded that freedom came at a high price, and therefore we honor the many defenders of our country, past and present.

Is Purity for Everyone?
Jun 3, 2009
By Jonathan Daugherty

I'm going to do something an author really isn't supposed to do when titling an article with a question. I'm going to give you the answer right up front (and keep my fingers crossed that you will still read the rest of the article).

Is purity for everyone?

No...

What can you learn from a Caterpillar?
Jun 2, 2009
By Clint Fiore

I think all of nature can be a shadow of greater spiritual realities we could never comprehend without its context. With that in mind, I submit a poem:

Chrysalis

She thinks only of herself.
Relentlessly consuming and often consumed,
Destined for more, a way has been made.