Disciples—followers—of the King in America have a difficult time in this country. Our problem is not usually the cost of being a follower of Jesus: persecution, isolation, etc.. Our problem is that this world offers so many things we like that we get easily distracted. Jesus said it is like seed planted among thorns that later choke out the plant trying to grow. The thorns were “the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matthew 13:22, NASB). His warning sounds even more familiar…

The stress is beginning to show: Marriages are hurting—and more often than not, no one seeks help until a lot of damage is done. Children are suffering from isolation. It isn’t just that they don’t get to “play with their friends”. It is the reality that their development depends on them interacting with other kids and adults in numerous ways—and right now it isn’t happening. They aren’t learning as effectively including learning about spiritual things. They aren’t developing intellectually, socially, emotionally or spiritually as much…

John is deeply disturbed by the words and actions of the Trump administration—and of course Donald Trump himself. So, almost daily, John posts something on social media that slams Donald Trump or those who work for him. Their honesty is questioned. Their lack of morality is exposed. Their frequent malicious tweets called out. In general, they are painted as divisive, dishonest people whose only concern is to get their own selfish way. Mary is concerned about those who find only fault with the Trump administration.…

I have three grown children. I love them and am grateful for who they have become. I enjoyed being a parent at every phase of my children’s lives, including adulthood. And I have been teaching other parents how to raise their children since mine were toddlers through counseling and parenting classes. Now, imagine my 40-year-old son bursting into one of those classes yelling “Dad, I’m hungry. I need you to feed me!” because he couldn’t feed himself. I suspect you would question my parenting abilities.…

For years now I have thought—and said—I believe a lot of the problems in this country would be reduced, if not eliminated, if people would just shut up and listen to one another. I don’t know many who would disagree with the observation that most on the political right do not listen to the concerns of those on the left; and that most on the political left do not listen to the concerns of those on the right. We have become very good at not…