In 1 Peter 3, the apostle tells the church to "Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." He we was warning them that, even when doing good, slander and attack would be a part of their lives. I must... Continue Reading →

National figures are making big money selling you a story that causes anger at the wrong people.That cop you just got done screaming at coaches a team in your kid's league. That person holding a protest sign in your park teaches at the local middle school. That police department you marched in front of hasn't... Continue Reading →

In our current times, hope is at a premium.  It is rare and it is valuable.  Thankfully for the believer, we are a people of hope. However, there are many who disparage the hope of the Christian.  These naysayers would look at the believer as if we have been taken in by some flight of... Continue Reading →

In a recent article, I wrote about the need to glorify God in all we do, including when we have been wronged. When seeking to glorify God, we have an example in Jesus. So, we must look at how he handled being wronged. Peter gives us a great breakdown of Jesus actions. His actions must... Continue Reading →

So you've been wronged. Friends, we are living in a world that is full of wrongs, injustices, and unfair actions. People are mistreated every single day. You may have been mistreated this week. Perhaps you were singled out by a boss. Maybe your spouse has grown spiteful or doesn't support you walk with the Lord.... Continue Reading →

By now, most church leaders, and much of America, have heard about the controversy that has been swirling around Chris Hodges, pastor of Church of the Highlands.  Hodges has faced backlash over his social media activity involving "likes" of posts. The right and wrong of Pastor Hodges' views, the views of the pages he interacts... Continue Reading →

We live in a world that is full of injustice.  Recent events, like the death of George Floyd have brought the world's attention to the issue of race in America.  Meanwhile lives have been unjustly lost in the riotous looting that broke out in many cities.  Injustice paid for by more injustice. Unfairness is everywhere. ... Continue Reading →

Off the coast of the Mariana islands lays a wonder that, though it can be described, is almost impossible for us to really fathom.  At the bottom of the ocean, there is an undersea canyon, called the Mariana Trench.  This gash in the ocean floor is five times the length of the Grand Canyon.  If... Continue Reading →

David Starr Jordan is probably not a name that you know.  Unless you make a habit of following after famous ichthyologists (fish scientists to the rest of us) or you went to Stanford (where he was the founding president), he has probably not been a part of your life.  However, Mr. Jordan has quite a... Continue Reading →

In a recent blog post that you can read here, the subject of negativity bias was presented.  The reality of giving extra weight to negative events is one that we cannot escape.  No amount of willpower, focus, or positivity will ever free us from this predisposition.  In the last post we discussed ways for us... Continue Reading →

We live in a world of constant, and often instant, feedback.  To deal with this, it is helpful to understand how you were designed to react to negatives. Whether you realize it or not, you are pre-wired with what is known as "negativity bias."  This bias exists in nearly every area that has been researched... Continue Reading →

I am not a fan of driving in construction zones. Most of us probably are not. For me, the biggest issue is the barriers and cones that are set up on either side of the lane. Occasionally, I will find myself driving through an area where these barriers are on both sides of the road.... Continue Reading →

I live near a train yard.  The sound of trains coupling is a regular part of the ambience here.  At first, I thought I would never get used to the proximity and noise of the behemoths, but over time I have actually grown fond of them. I never know what will be sitting on the... Continue Reading →

Perhaps you have heard this story of a lighthouse.  I know I am not the first to tell it.  In fact I will share it here exactly as I found it... -A lighthouse along a bleak coast was tended by a keeper who was given enough oil for one month and told to keep the... Continue Reading →