"My kingdom is not of this world." --Jesus Christ, in John 18:36Entitlement. It's a word that makes me uncomfortable because I always wonder how and why someone feels "entitled." One can be worthy, but how can one be entitled?The ugliness of the prosperity gospel is not tied to a particular ministry, speaker, or writer. I have no doubt many people have had their spirits lifted and have been encouraged by some of the teachers of the prosperity gospel. So, what's wrong with the prosperity gospe... Read Full Story

I am participating in National Novel Writing Month, with a goal of writing a 50,000 word novel before December 1, 2009. I will post a podcast about the experience when I return at the beginning of December. Read Full Story

No, I am not going to write about loving the Fort Hood shooter.Today, a service of memory is being held for the victims of the shooter. Personally, I don't think the shooter should be further enlarged by ongoing public discussions about why he did what he did and what it all means. I hope a thorough, fair investigation will address those issues.What I am taking away from this tragedy is reinforcement on why loving your enemy is a better way. Jesus always knows what He is talking about.At any ... Read Full Story

I got my first pair of glasses when I was in the second grade.My parents learned I needed glasses because I constantly complained I couldn't see the board in school. It was only in the second grade that much of the classroom instruction involved the teacher presenting lessons on the blackboard in the front of my class. My parents took me to our local Sears store and I had an eye exam. That first eye appointment was decades ago, but I remember it well. I loved sitting in the big chair, reading... Read Full Story

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." --Psalm 34:1I do not always bless (speak well of, with happiness and contentment) my feelings, my circumstances, or my condition. I do not always bless my surroundings. These things are changeable and fluid. Sometimes they are up and all is well; sometimes things trend downward. I do not know what will happen on any given day. I expect and work for good things. Often, things turn out as I anticipate. Sometimes,... Read Full Story

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men."-- St. Paul, I Corinthians 15:19Earlier this year, Rev. Ike died. If you are not familiar with him, here is his obituary from the New York Times. The key to Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II's public theology might be summed up this way: "I want all my blessings now: I don't want pie in the sky by and by."Who wants pie in the sky? Who doesn't want blessings now?What Rev. Ike failed to say was: it's not an ... Read Full Story

This is Deborah’s response to her completed reading of Toni Morrison’s A Mercy. This novel, Morrison’s latest, was the partial subject of the previous episode in which Deborah offered tips and suggestions for reading and enjoying “difficult”, or challenging, authors. Listen Now:  Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player Read Full Story

"For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." --Colossians 1:13Would I make payments on a debt "paid in full"? I've done it, but it is time to stop because that is just one of the most foolish things anyone can do.I have to remind myself of that when I am tempted to say or do something that once established my membership in the dominion of darkness. No, I cannot "put down my relig... Read Full Story

In A Song Flung Up To Heaven, Maya Angelou, one of my favorite authors, challenges someone who says "I am a Christian." Her response is "Already?" She suggests being a Christian is an ongoing process, that perhaps one is arrogant or short-sighted when saying "I am a Christian." Is she right? No, she isn't.It is my connection to Christ that makes me a Christian. That connection is based on God's love, care, and protection of me as I yield to His will and methods. That's what makes me a Christ... Read Full Story

Can it ever be a wise choice to turn the other cheek? What does it really mean to "turn the other cheek?"In Matthew chapter five, verses 38 through 40, Jesus says this: "You have heard that it was said, "Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well."This is one of the most disturbing, frustrating passage... Read Full Story