Christians not living like Christians troubles me. OK, I’m more troubled by THIS Christian who doesn’t always act like he should. However, this human affliction applies to us all. But maybe we can do something about it. Over my years of following Jesus, I’ve been intrigued by how many studies indicate a behavioral/faith disconnect by many followers of Jesus. The Christian sociologist George Barna examined how five different faith groups, ranging from active to lukewarm followers to adherents of other faiths to atheists, did on 18 behavioral issues that constitute morality: most groups’ behaviors were…
Read MorePatience Pays Off
Our Gray Hogs 2021 ride through the Sierras had an unusual end—Jerry realized he had to get home soon (he does this a lot) so he bailed early, and Brad damaged his Goldwing when he hit the back end of a minivan, and his son came over to drive him home in Long Beach. That left just Mick and me heading to see his daughter and son-in-law in Susanville for two nights before heading home ourselves. The first morning Mick suggested…
Read MoreA Time to Replant?
Several weeks back we visited our favorite Chapin Winery in Temecula, then in the midst of pruning. The long branches, accurately called canes, that produce the grapes had been cut back to the spur buds on the laterals, or cordons, that grow horizontally. But some long canes remained, seemingly at random, and we puzzled about the purpose. Then last Sunday we figured much of it out. Most of the long canes were now gone, and we first noticed some…
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image from quotefancy.com
Challenge Yourself
Paul the apostle implied we need to challenge our limits, “…become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants…Instead…we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15). Growth is normal when following Jesus, but we can’t grow when we’re content with mediocrity, when we cling to our current state. So we push our limits. Move beyond…
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