As promised in the last newsletter, I want to start looking at things in our culture through the lens of Scripture. How do we learn how to discern between dignity and disdain, between beautiful and bad? How do we engage with culture in a constructively interactive way? How do... [More]

The other day I was watching the movie “Up” with my family (which is a fantastic movie by the way), and as it ended my ten-year-old son explained to his grandparents why it was such a good movie. “It has a different message than believe in yourself.” I couldn’t help... [More]

For those of you looking for something in addition to toys, games, gadgets, and clothes to give your children for Christmas, how about the gift of family discipleship? Here are some ideas that can help you down that road. For preschoolers and early elementary: The Jesus Storybook... [More]

It was recently announced that 140 Christian leaders signed the Manhattan Declaration reaffirming fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are: the sanctity... [More]

Wednesday lunch/afternoon—Read Isaiah 58:14 “…then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Why have we fasted?... [More]

Wednesday morning — Read Isaiah 58:13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure,... [More]

Tuesday evening — Read Isaiah 58:12 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. If you have kept up with the fast to this point perhaps... [More]

Tuesday lunch/afternoon — Read Isaiah 58:11 “And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” The imagery in... [More]

Tuesday morning — Read Isaiah 58:9-10 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’  If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for... [More]

Monday evening — Read Isaiah 58:7-8 7 Is it [the fast the Lord chooses] not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth... [More]