“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

This time of the year we approach the end of the school year for most students and that means a change in the daily/weekly routine for their families.  Even families without children in school take breaks from their normal schedule to get away for a summer vacation.  The Dean family is planning to do so as well.

Times like these can allow families much needed rest and a chance to catch up with each other after a busy year of school and work.  We may take advantage of the time off to read good books, catch up on sleep, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.  God has built a rhythm of rest into our week called the Sabbath.  It underscores our need as creatures to be recharged physically, emotionally, and (most importantly!) spiritually. (more…)

There’s plenty going on in our country during this election cycle to stir people of conscience to anger.  Pronouncements by high ranking public officials supporting gay marriage and government mandates that violate religious convictions can make some Christians “fightin’ mad.” I’m writing today to challenge all Christ-followers to not be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). (more…)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15).

A continuous battle rages in the heart of every believer. A continuous battle rages for the heart of every believer.  The battle is over which love reigns supreme in the believer’s heart.   Is it the love of the world or the love of the Father?

This boils down to how we are inwardly sustained in our everyday lives.  As we go through the day are we sustained by the clinging to and cherishing the “world,” or are we sustained by clinging to and cherishing the Father?  The two loves cannot exist alongside each other.  At any given moment we are either finding life in the world or we are finding it in the Father.  If we strive to fill our thirsty souls through the love of the world, the love of the Father is not filling us. (more…)