Over the past two weeks I’ve been watching like millions of others what’s occurring with Israel and the Middle East. I will admit I’m not the best student on the different factions and the politics of it all. But I do know enough. One thing that has captured my attention is how the Jewish people…
One of England’s finest preachers was C.H. Spurgeon. Frequently during his ministry, he was plunged into severe depression, due in part to gout but also for other reasons. In a biography of the “Prince of Preachers”, Arnold Dallimore wrote, “What he (Spurgeon) suffered in those times of darkness we may not know…even his desperate calling…
In the fall of 2013, Pastor Teddy Parker Jr.’s wife found him in the driveway of their Warner Robins home in Georgia with a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Many were stunned. Parker never believed in suicide and often admonished his parishioners against it. “I’m very surprised because he didn’t preach that. He preached totally against it.…
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a hero. I have two that I can mention. Muhammed Ali and Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics. Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics won a NCAA Championship, Olympic Gold Medal, and 11 NBA Championships. Muhammed Ali according to most boxing experts was the greatest boxer of all…
Whether you’re a social butterfly, or a shy wallflower, you’re human and therefore wired for connection with others. After the pandemic many people found themselves feeling more alone than ever. And that isn’t good –a lack of personal connection can lead to emotional and physical problems like; *Sleep issues *Feeling stressed out *Altered brain function…
In the past couple of years there has been an awakening when it comes to mental health and the adverse affects of those who struggle with mental illnesses. It dawned on me that after four years at Nebraska Christian College there was never a class on mental health and its issues. Maybe the school administration…
The overall health of pastors in the U.S. has declined markedly since 2015, with increasing number who say that they face declining respect from their community and a lack of true friends, according to a recent study. Data collected by faith-based organization Barna Group as a part of its Resilient Pastor Research showed a significant…
Unfortunately, when it comes to mental illness, Christians are often given an invalidating message. “Have you prayed about it?” “Give it to God.” “God only gives you what you can handle.” Though many of these “harmless” comments are made with good intentions, the reality is when your faith – something that for many folks is…
Did you know that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness? About 50% of adults with mental illness receive no treatment. These issues affect people from all walks in life – no one is immune to psychological distress. Although mental illness is fairly common, sufferers often feel to embarrassed to seek help. This can…
The blood of Jesus is one of the most powerful resources available to us. It is also the most fundamental image of the Christian message. Yet, surprisingly few Christians have a basic understanding of the purpose and power of the blood of Christ outside of having our sins covered. Here are a few principles to…
