The question in the title of this post was asked on Facebook by a church. It led to a lengthy debate involving patriotism and Christ-following. The answer is both obvious and complex. The obvious answer is that we should celebrate freedom. What that looks like......
05 July, 2026
In early 2026, Contemporary Christian artist Andrew Ripp released the song “I’d Do It Again.” It presents Jesus telling us that if He had to, He would die for us again. One verse contains a truth that should, as Christ-followers, rock us to our very......
28 June, 2026
I have been there more than once, and I’ll bet you have too. Someone has falsely accused you, or misjudged you, or some how slighted you. You dream of vindication. You might even game plan scenarios in your head of how your moment of vindication......
21 June, 2026
I remember it as if it were yesterday. My wife Ramona and I were at a dinner party in November 2019. I had been without work since February. We had heard the call to ministry and were trusting God that He would provide one, even......
15 June, 2026
Now salagadoola means menchicka boolaroo But the thingamabob that does the job is Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo (The fairy godmother in the 1950 Disney Film “Cinderella”) Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo was the incantation Cinderella’s fairy godmother used to make magic happen. When we pepper our prayers with “in Jesus’ name,” we......
07 June, 2026
“The War.” At various points in U.S. history, people were talking about the war. From 1865 to 1917, when someone referred to “The War,” it was the Civil War. Then it was World War I. Then, for two decades after World War II, school children......
31 May, 2026
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your......
24 May, 2026
It’s amazing what you can learn about your relationship with Jesus from a Disney movie. The genie in the 1992 film “Aladdin” complains that the only time he’s let out of his lamp is when someone wants something. He explains that for about a thousand......
17 May, 2026
As a child of the 1960s, I was infatuated with the moonshot program. I got out of farm chores on July 20, 1969, so I could watch Neil Armstrong and Ed Aldrin walk on the moon. So, imagine my excitement when humans again traveled to......
10 May, 2026
I spent the past 26 Sundays with anywhere from 50 to 110 friends. This past Sunday, I said goodbye to them. As strange as this might sound, I pray that I will never see them again; at least not the way I’ve seen them for......
03 May, 2026
There is a passage in Mark 9 that may be one of the most perplexing in all the New Testament. The chapter opens with the Transfiguration. Jesus had taken three of his disciples to a mountain where they were exposed to the full glory of......
26 April, 2026
It’s been a week since Christ-followers around the world celebrated Jesus’ resurrection. So, let me ask you a serious question: One week later, is His tomb still empty in your life? Let me explain my purpose in asking that question. If we accepted Jesus Christ,......
12 April, 2026
If you ask me how I know, I know He’s real I could believe that He’s still with me In spite of how it feels If you ask me why I trust Him When it feels like everything has come undone All I can tell......
05 April, 2026
“Christians are boring.” “Christians never have fun.” “Christians are all about following rules and judging others.” All three statements above are often voiced by some people who do not follow Jesus. Truth be told, many believers bear some responsibility for people of faith being painted......
29 March, 2026
As I write this post on Tuesday, Green Bay and much of the Midwest are digging out from two to three feet of snow (Green Bay received about 27 inches of snow). By last Wednesday, churches in the Green Bay area began canceling Sunday services.......
22 March, 2026
A few years ago, I was part of an informal gathering of men when a friend of mine shared that he was struggling with lustful thoughts. He was frustrated because, as he said, “I didn’t think I’d be dealing with that one at my age.......
15 March, 2026
“Return of Jafar,” the 1994 sequel to “Aladdin,” contains one of my all-time favorite movie lines. Jafar, now a genie, is pursuing the heroes when he is reminded that genies can’t kill anyone. He responds with: “You’d be surprised what you can live through.” I......
08 March, 2026
Some have called Bob Dylan a folk-rock prophet for his 1962 song “The Times They Are A-Changin.” The lyrics seem to forecast the turbulent years ahead in the then-young decade. While his 1979 hit “Gotta Serve Somebody” isn’t considered as culturally significant as “Times,” its......
22 February, 2026
The story I’m about to share is a prime example of how challenges we face in life can be perceived as problems that stymie us or opportunities to be blessed by God. The choice is ours! Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church opens its doors every Sunday......
15 February, 2026
I’d like to introduce you to about 100 friends of mine. They visit Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church each week. They are as diverse a group of friends as you would ever encounter. They are from varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, different geographic backgrounds and all......
08 February, 2026