Death is not the end
I live about a block away from one of the largest and most respected medical systems in Wisconsin. It’s where I held my dad’s hand after the stroke that God used to call him home to heaven. It’s where a family member kept a tearful, prayerful vigil by the bed of her gravely ill daughter […]
No coincidence. Just providence.
Why are you here? Out of all the things you could be doing or words you could be reading, why are you here right now? There are two answers to that question—coincidence and providence. This moment could be a coincidence. Totally random. Or it could be providence. It could be God’s plan working all things […]
“Pastor, do you keep these commandments?”
One evening after teaching a classroom of teenagers about sex, marriage, and living together, a young man raised his hand and asked, “Pastor Mike, do you keep all these commandments?” (I wish there was camera footage of my facial expression after his question!) Maybe thinking about love, respect, marriage, and sexual purity makes you feel […]
God’s Word to married women
I recently typed wife and married and marriage into a Bible search engine, and what I discovered were the “7 Commandments for Christian Wives.” If you’re a married woman (or know one who needs some encouragement), here’s what our Father says to wives: “Respect [your husband]” (Ephesians 5:33). “Love [your husband]” (Titus 2:4). “Be subject […]
God loves celebration
Most of us celebrate and enjoy feasting at some point during the year, but I suspect that oftentimes we don’t consider celebration as being an integral part of worship. Preparing the food, setting the table, lighting the candles, gathering, praying, and enjoying the delicious flavors of the meal and the conversation—all this is part of […]
One day at a time
My mind often starts to race. I bet yours does too. I think of all the things I have to do today. Then I think of all the things I have to do tomorrow. And the next day. And next week. And next month. And next year. And then it’s not just my mind that’s […]
Grace isn’t our excuse
Every year I have the privilege of talking about biblical sexuality at a local Christian high school where many of the students have been blessed with years of prior Christ-centered education. But I’ve noticed, more now than ever before, questions like this one: The Bible says that every sin is forgiven, so doesn’t that mean […]
Samson: Don’t compromise yourself
When Samson’s enemies bribed Delilah to discover the secret to his strength, Samson lied and said that if he was tied with seven fresh bowstrings, he’d be powerless. After Delilah tied him up, the Philistines attacked. Samson fought them off easily. Delilah prodded again. Samson lied again. The Philistines attacked and failed again. This repeated […]