Being Christian Without Losing Your Mind
[email protected] 
Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. — Genesis 4:8 The famous story of Cain being upset that his offering wasn’t accepted by God but his brother’s was sets the tone for the strife we see throughout …
But Jesus overheard their report and said to the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting.” — Mark 5:36 If you read Mark 5:21-43, you get a clear picture of both Jesus’ compassion as well as faith. The synagogue leader had come to Jesus asking him to heal his daughter. However, word came that …
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize it was Jesus. — John 21:4 One of the strange things about the Resurrection is why people who knew Jesus didn’t recognize him. There was something different about him. I’ve come to realize, though, that the problem might have been that …
Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We’d all be happier people if we could “give thanks in every situation.” When Paul wrote this, he had a lot not to give thanks for. He was rejected by society because of his beliefs. He had a …
When something seems clear-cut to me, and a person believes something different, one question comes to my mind: Why don’t they see it as clearly as they should? This question reveals my arrogance and self-righteousness, of course. The person with whom I disagree is thinking the same thing about me. Hence our human dilemma. A …
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from heaven! Praise God on the heights! — Psalm 146:1 Psalms 145-150 close the Bible’s songbook on a high note. They are pure praise. One of the underlying foundations for that praise is a reflection on just how awe-inspiring God is because of the awe-inspiring creation all around us. …
Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. — 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 I ran across a story that helps keep our priorities aligned with those of Jesus. Remember the old …
Lord, listen closely to me and answer me, because I am poor and in need. (Psalm 86:1) Listen closely to my prayer, Lord; pay close attention to the sound of my requests for mercy. (Psalm 86:6) When our children were babies, I was astounded at my wife’s acute hearing. Deep into the night she could …
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabbouni.” (John 20:16) The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” (John 21:7) John’s Gospel is dotted with weird, mysterious details. Here’s one that we see in the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene lingers at the empty tomb on Easter morning, …
Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. — Matthew 5:11 Throughout my years in pastoral ministry, I never cared for the occasional time when I received one of “those” emails, letters, or phone calls. Someone was upset …