Back in July, a good friend and fellow pastor Dan DeWitt put up this quote from Dr. Mark Sandlin, and as our 2024 election approaches, it gives a fine reminder of the prime directive of all who follow Jesus. We often describe those on the opposite side of the fence as our enemy, and this comes from both sides. Dr. Mark Sandlin’s conclusion makes the issue pretty simple: people are either our neighbors or our enemies, but both are to be loved. Loving a person doesn’t mean…
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Last week we examined one of the causes why families and churches and friends get so upset with each other: we primarily try to change people’s behaviors, thinking that living by God’s standards will improve our culture. Yes, it will, but at what cost? We say we want to make disciples, but many nonChristians see it as meddling and turn us off. They become less open to hearing about Jesus. And when Christians attack other Christians over politics…
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Grace Givers
Quite a few decades back, when Dad still lived and could fish his beloved Sierra streams, we pulled off to the side of the road about where the South Fork of Oak Creek joined the main stream. With the limit then at ten per day per person and having 14, we agreed we’d each just get three to stay safe and went off in different directions for an hour or so. I pulled in three nice ones early and kept fishing, planning on releasing any I caught. Yeah, next hole I landed the biggest yet. BUT…
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image from sott.net
Understanding Pro Life and Biden
Last week we explored the division between Christians on political issues, many of which center on abortion. In the interest of dampening the divide, maybe we need to understand the reasoning of those with a different opinion. Understanding doesn’t always mean agreement, but that we “get” both what others believe and why they believe it. This statement, signed by thousands of evangelicals, some well known leaders and some you’ve not heard of, explain their position on abortion and being pro-life and voting for Biden. I don’t ask you to agree with this, but prayerfully ask to understand their hearts. Maybe we can begin to…
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Secrets of Serenity
Most of us enjoy serenity. Yeah, I love the adrenaline rush of hitting 112 in a Lamborghini Gallardo 550 just before a 170-degree turn, or riding 1,080 miles in one day on the bike, but I also need the times to relax, to just sit, to enjoy God’s creation. Today was an example—after awesome worship and a great Mexican lunch, we headed to our winery to chill. This pic shows my wineglass and the view. Serenity. I also love Facebook…
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Image from SB Nation
Transcending Political Differences
Honestly, as venomous as current politics have become, they can’t match some of the past. Like 1804, when the sitting Vice President of the US shot and killed the former Secretary of the Treasury. Two other founding fathers, close friends in the Revolution, became bitter enemies, slandering each other far more than we see today. Make no mistake however…
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Ballots or Bombs
Isn't this a great season, as the upcoming national election kicks off, almost two years early? The politicking brings out our best and worst, some thoughtful comments intended to persuade the marking of ballots, along with verbal bombs with asinine and degrading and insulting comments about the "other" side. Can't help but love it, right? Only if you're ...
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