The Next Chapter —Jan 14, 2010

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

"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.

The Joy in...Trials? —Oct 28, 2009

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
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
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
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
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

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...

Does Size Really Matter? —Apr 8, 2009
I figured that title would get your attention, so I hope I don't waste that great teaser with a lousy article. I have been focusing lately on something that I believe is very easy for us to overlook in the busyness of our everyday lives: the infinite size of God and the limited size of us.

Building a Life of Purity Amidst Opposition —Mar 5, 2009
I have been reading through the book of Nehemiah again. I get charged up every time I read this book. It paints a great picture of what rebuilding a broken down life should look like. I want to point out some key principles that are fundamental to building a life of purity, even in the midst of growing cultural and spiritual opposition.

Life is Precious! —Feb 20, 2009
"Little Whiskers" died last week. He was only 15 months old and the news hit our family hard. My youngest, Megan, took the news especially hard, just crying and crying over the loss. The truth is we all cried and grieved. It was a sad week in the life of our family. I dare say that there may never have been such love ever bestowed in all of history on one so cherished as Little Whiskers, our hamster.

Exposing the Lies of Lust —Jan 29, 2009

The devil isn't creative, just persistent...

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I have come into contact with thousands of sex addicts over recent years. I myself was bound up in sexual addiction for 13 years. In all my interactions with the issue of sexual lust, I have come to realize one fundamental characteristic that is common to its nature: lies. There is never one moment in which lust tells you the truth. And it is this key insight that can actually help you break free from the chains of lust...for good.

Is Grace Really Enough? —Dec 15, 2008
Do you ever wonder if we live in a country (USA) that is so blessed with "creature comforts" that we have become "flabby" when it comes to our spiritual fitness? We have so much, yet everywhere I turn I see increased dissatisfaction and misery as people clamor for more and more and more. When will it ever be enough? Is there ever an end to the discontent and anxiety of those believing the lies of entitlement thinking? (chew on that one for a few seconds...)

I Love You, Even Though... —Dec 5, 2008
Dinner time at my house almost always produces memorable moments. It is a time when our whole family gathers around the table to eat, pray, and talk about our day. I like to ask my kids about school and anything else they want to share about their day. I have had many enjoyable interactions at the dinner table, not to mention many hilarious moments as well. Recently, we were eating boneless chicken for dinner (this will have significance in a minute) when such a memorable, hilarious moment occurred.

Blinded by Grace —Nov 12, 2008
My eyesight has never been that great. I could blame my mother and father, but then they would have to blame their parents and so on. Regardless of how my genetic makeup came to create my eyes as they are, the fact of the matter is that if I don't have contacts or glasses on I am virtually blind. This allows my wife to have some fun with me in the mornings and at night when my corrective lens aren't in place, as she might hold something up ten feet away from me and ask me if I can tell what it is. I don't do well at this game...