The Take Away

by Kersley Fitzgerald

Everything on this earth has a spiritual significance. Every spiritual truth has an earthly application. But understanding the intricacies of transubstantiation does not necessarily help when your son cleans his paintbrushes on the cat. The Take Away is an attempt to find out just what wisdom God has given us to comfort harassed felines—as well as what effect the belief of transubstantiation has on the relationship between Protestants and Catholics. Surprisingly, time and time again, the answer is "love each other." Not sentimental, sappy love, but intentional, hard, ever-redeeming agape love. Like God loves us.

Sometimes, however, God hides His love in the strangest places. In a series of sixty-six books that describe His role in human history. In a piece of bone, wrapped in a leather thong, thrown across the back of an innocent Man. In the thistles that threaten to overtake Colorado lawns everywhere. God reveals Himself in direct commands, like "Love your neighbor," and in the metaphorical parables of Jesus. And in peanut butter sandwiches, one of the greatest metaphors of all.

The Take Away is written by Kersley Fitzgerald, writer, drafter, former Air Force officer, wife, mother, horrible surfer, and lover of corn candy.

	Review: Wonder Woman \| Jun 9, 2017 In Wonder Woman, Princess Diana is powerful but naive and wants nothing more than to protect the innocent. When she realizes there are no true innocents, she learns the true meaning of purpose. Read more...
	How to Show Love...To Someone in Sin \| May 23, 2017 Jesus didn't say to love the sinner and hate the sin, Ghandi did. But believers are called to love, including the hard, often unrewarding work of loving those wrapped up in sin. Read more...
	Do Christians really have a biblical worldview? \| May 15, 2017 Barna recently did a survey to discover the real worldviews of practicing Christians. What they found is that we're more influenced by the world than we should be. Read more...
	Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 \| May 2, 2017 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a story of family, friendship, and sacrifice, but it has some very interesting things to say about the nature of God. Read more...
	Review: The Circle \| May 2, 2017 The Circle explores the ramifications of one person's choice to live her life open to the internet. Unfortunately, the ramifications are about as bad as the plot. Read more...
	How to Show Love...In Traffic \| Apr 28, 2017 The Bible calls us to show love to others at all times in all situations. Friends, family, and strangers. Even in traffic. Read more...
	"You are not abused" \| Mar 20, 2017 Proverbs 31 begins with advice to Solomon from his mother. Despite her involvement in David's sin, Bathsheba had wise advice for a wayward king. Read more...
	Stretch \| Mar 16, 2017 Jesus said we will always have tribulation in this world. Sometimes He allows us to experience hardships in multiple bite-sized pieces to stretch our hearts and learn to trust Him. Read more...
	The Grace of Hearing "No" \| Mar 9, 2017 "Let your yes be yes and your no be no..." — If Jesus tells us there are times we need to give a firm no, then we also need to accept when others tell us no. Read more...
	Review: 2017 Best Picture Nominees \| Feb 27, 2017 Jesus used stories to explain eternal truths, and we try to, as well. How some of the best picture nominees from 2017 reflect biblical principles — or not. Read more...
	Of Taxes and Tithes \| Feb 20, 2017 In the US, at least, we can claim donations to our church against our taxes and receive a credit. Should we? Is a refund on tithes somehow paying God less? Read more...
	The Christian View of Immigrants and Refugees \| Jan 31, 2017 How should Christians view refugee and immigrant policies? What does the Bible say about how Christians should respond to refugees and immigrants? Read more...
	Scientology and Christianity \| Jan 23, 2017 Leah Remini's show Scientology and the Aftermath is an enlightening exposé of the damage Scientology does to its parishioners. It preaches love and service, like Christianity, but at its core, it's abusive and manipulative. Read more...
	Of Love and Holiness \| Dec 6, 2016 We are called to love others where they are, not expecting spiritual maturity in a wounded soul. But when we ignore the value of holiness, we slide from love to excuses. Read more...
	White Evangelicals \| Nov 15, 2016 The rise of Trump's power has emboldened the alt-right to attack minorities. How should Christian Trump supporters respond? How are they responding? Read more...
	Review: Doctor Strange \| Nov 7, 2016 Doctor Strange is a well-written, excellently-cast addition to the Marvel universe. It's also the most spiritually irresponsible of all their recent movies. Read more...
	Cheating on God \| Nov 1, 2016 Did God give Adam and Even enough information about the consequences of eating from the tree? What was the real choice? Read more...
	Our Deepest Wish \| Oct 24, 2016 We pray for more money, bigger houses, stronger health, and better jobs. Why does it seems that, despite our prayers, unbelievers are more successful in the world? Read more...
	Run Your Race \| Oct 17, 2016 God never called us to do all the things, weighed down by burdens and sins. He just wants us to run our race. Read more...
	Reactive \| Sep/Oct, 2016 How we initially react to things reflects what we believe and what kind of faith we have in God. To have godly reactions, we have to build godly hearts. Mass Shootings Police Shootings Sensationalistic News Start Here
	The Real World \| Sep 21, 2016 The media we choose may be the most insular world we live in. What if we switched off the scripted, crafted, cut-and-pasted fiction and talked to people in the real world? Read more...
	BrainDead and Extremism \| Sep 13, 2016 The TV show BrainDead is a story about how we are so easily distracted by extremism and ignore the real enemy. It's also a pretty good metaphor for spiritual warfare. Read more...
	Tension \| Aug 18, 2016 While on this earth, we are ever caught in the tension between good and tragedy. Do we let that tension break us into pieces until we shatter? Or ask God to keep us whole? Read more...
	The Consequences of Sin \| Aug 9, 2016 We rarely contemplate the seriousness of our sin. Living in God's grace causes us to minimize our sin, but the Bible clearly illustrates the consequences we'll never face. Read more...
	"Do Better" \| Jul 28, 2016 Finding a girlfriend or boyfriend is difficult, and there's always the risk of realizing you could do better. But what is "better," really? Read more...
	Identity \| Jul 4, 2016 It's normal to meet a group of people and think "this is my tribe." Or get inspired by a fictional character to live a better life. But be careful what defines your identity. Read more...
	Victim Shaming \| Jun 27, 2016 Shaming the victim of the crime, blaming them for being a victim, is judgmental, unjust, and cowardly. We are to mourn with those who mourn, not blame them. Read more...
	What is the Christian response to the Orlando attack? \| Jun 16, 2016 How should Christians react to the LGBTQ community in response to the Orlando terrorist attack? How do we help and share the Gospel with people we've been at odds with or so long? Read more... \| With Jeff Laird
	Father Figures \| Jun 8, 2016 Our generation is seeing more fathers who grew up without fathers of their own. This makes a dangerous situation for their sons. How can Christian men step in as father figures? Read more...
	Honor Where it's Due \| May 24, 2016 God honors the righteous, the kind, and the gracious. Who do we honor? What does the Bible say about publicly thanking others? Read more...
	Christians and Metaphors \| May 9, 2016 With the wrong application, metaphors can be dangerous. But, as Jesus proved, they're still useful for explaining spiritual truths. Some ideas Christians reject are just metaphors that need a little explaining. Read more...
	The Best Mothers' Day Gift \| May 4, 2016 Mothers raise us, nurture us, and sometimes hurt us. The best gift you can give your mother doesn't cost a thing — and benefits you as much as her. Read more...
	Exodus and Change \| Apr 25, 2016 Did God send the plagues to convince Pharaoh? Or the Israelites? When God uses circumstances to nip our heels like a blue heeler. Read more...
	Donation Secrets \| Dec 13, 2012; Revised Apr 13, 2016 Supporters of Got Questions Ministries have sacrificed $5 to $5,000 and beyond. No matter what the amount, we are open to and appreciative of any donations we receive. Kersley Fitzgerald works behind the scenes with donations and wants to share a few little-known secrets. Read more...
	Adam, Eve, and the Knowledge of Sin \| Apr 4, 2015 There's an argument that Adam and Eve chose sin because they didn't have knowledge of good and evil. Strangely enough, this argument is made by people who know of good and evil — and still sin. Read more...
	Sarcasm, Satire, and the Christian \| Mar 22, 2015 It's said that sarcasm is a sign of intelligence and promotes creativity. Where do literary forms like sarcasm, irony, and satire fit in the Christian life? Read more...
	Boring Sermons \| Mar 14, 2015 We try to be holy and respectful and good examples in church. But sometimes sermons are just downright boring. Fortunately, there's an app for that... Read more...
	Women in the Draft \| Mar 7, 2015 The arguments over drafting women range from emotional to legal to theological. But the practical considerations aren't so black and white. Read more...
	Fear \| Jan/Feb, 2016 Joshua 1:9: God told Joshua to reject fear and that He'd be with him. Does Joshua 1:9 apply to us? Isaiah 41:10 and Jeremiah 29:11: Of enemies, fear, and deliverance. Matthew 6:34: Does God promise to always protect us and provide for us? Philippians 4:6-8: How does God turn fear into peace? Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 10:13: What do these verses really mean? Start Here...
	Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: A Movie Review \| Feb 9, 2015 The Jane Austen mash-up that started them all is now a movie. How adding a zombie plague to Lizzie and Darcy's romance wasn't such a bad idea. Read more...
	David Bowie: Ashes to Ashes \| Jan 11, 2016 David Bowie has died. How can Christians celebrate his creative genius while acknowledging that creativity was always lost to eternity? Read more...
	Our Living Sacrifice — Romans 12:1-2 \| Dec 29, 2015 What does Romans 12:1-2 mean by a "living sacrifice"? How can we be transformed instead of conformed to the world? Read more...
	The Allegories of Star Wars: The Force Awakens \| Dec 22, 2015 Star Wars movies have always explored universal themes of good, evil, loyalty, and love. The Force Awakens extends that allegorical tradition to modern concerns we struggle with today, and then shows a biblical response. Read more...
	"Yes" or "No" — When God is Silent \| Dec 7, 2015 It sounds so reasonable to ask God a "yes or no" question and expect a simple answer. But sometimes the question is bigger than we thought. Read more...
	Advent: Anticipating the Arrival of the Savior \| Dec 9, 2014; Updated Dec 1, 2015 We spend Advent shopping and eating and maybe lighting candles. But we rarely stop to think: these are the days leading up to the arrival of the warrior who saved us. Read more...
	Heresy, Sacrilege, Blasphemy, Apostasy \| Nov 23, 2015 Heresy, sacrilege, blasphemy, apostasy: we use these words casually and accuse others freely. But what do they really mean? And what do they mean for our salvation? Read more...
	Life Matters \| Nov 16, 2015 From Paris to Kenya to Missouri to TV and movies, we're taught that life is cheap and that death is nothing. It is Jesus who shows us life matters. Read more...
	The Intern: A Movie Review \| Oct 20, 2015 A charming, self-assured retiree becomes an intern for the young CEO of an online fashion site. What The Intern teaches about leadership, followership, and and the importance of a good handkerchief. Read more...
	The Christian and the Doctor \| Oct 13, 2015 Should a Christian watch Doctor Who? Is the Doctor an allegory for Christ? Or is the show just an entertaining science fiction TV program? Read more...
	The Many Choices to Life \| Oct 6, 2015 What does it take to choose life? Humility, bravery, and a soft heart. Read more...
	Doomsday Prophecies \| Sep 28, 2015 The end of the world is coming! But can we know when? Read more...
	Iran, Nukes, and the End of the World \| Sep 24, 2015 Does the recent agreement with the UN set up Iran to send a nuclear attack against Israel? Is a nuclear Iran in the End Times? Read more...
	Non-Legal Wedding \| Sep 14, 2015 Second marriages, especially among older couples, could result in serious financial loss. Is it biblical to have a "church" wedding but not file with the state? Read more...
	Truth and the Light that brings Life \| Aug 31, 2015 Much darkness has been brought to light in the last few weeks. But is it the light that brings life? Or the light that glamorizes dark secrets? Read more...
	Why does God ask for a confession when He already knows our sin? \| Aug 18, 2015 God is omniscient — Why did He ask Adam and Eve where they were? Why did He ask Cain where Abel was? Why does He want us to confess our sins? Read more...
	Mr. Holmes and Other Cold-Hearted Heroes \| Aug 11, 2015 Sherlock Holmes, in his many incarnations, is the archetype of cold, uncaring proficiency. It sounds appealing to be clever but emotionally distant, but it's not how God made us. Read more...
	Sin and Pain and a Thorn in the Flesh \| Jul 27, 2015 Paul said he had a 'thorn in the flesh.' Did he mean a chronic ailment or a sinful addiction? Either way, the application is the same. Read more...
	The NIV, Zondervan, HarperCollins, and Missing Verses \| Jul 14, 2015 Recent reports say the NIV has missing verses, and its publishing company also prints The Satanic Bible. Should Christians stop using the New International Version of the Bible? Read more...
	Knowing God Before Abraham \| Jun 15, 2015 Why did God wait until Abraham to reveal Himself? How did God expect people to worship Him when no one knew about Him? How do biblical genealogies leave no excuse? Read more...
	Glass and Light \| Jun 9, 2015 Like great windows, Christians are called to bring light to the world. But glass can only withstand so much burden. Read more...
	The Least of These \| Jun 1, 2015 Who are "the least of these"? Do we serve the needy or those who we relate to? Read more...
	Unoffendable — A Review \| May 25, 2015 Brant Hansen's new book Unoffendable throws out an interesting idea: what if we decided to not take offense? Does getting angry at everything really make our lives better? Read more...
	Should Christians watch or read magic-based fiction? \| May 18, 2015 Harry Potter, the Witch of Endor, Supernatural — is there a difference between reality-based witchcraft and fantasy magic? Read more...
	Running the Race \| Apr 20, 2015 There's a reason Hebrews and 1 Corinthians compare the Christian life to distance running. It's not just the endurance, the pain, and the endless training. It's also the unexpected moments of joy. Read more...
	The Fear of Daniel \| Apr 20, 2015 The prophet Daniel served under several kings in high-ranking positions and feared none of them. That doesn't mean he lived completely without fear. Read more...
	The Christian Response to Terrorism \| Mar 26, 2015 How should Christians respond to terrorism, religious extremism, and other widespread evil in the world? Is there a single response? Read more...
	The Old Testament Story \| Mar 12, 2015 The Old Testament is law, poetry, story, and prophecy all mixed up. But if you take it in sections, the story clearly shows God's patience and grace. Read more...
	The Purpose of Prayer \| Feb 25, 2015 Why pray? God knows everything, anyway. He has a plan we can't change. If talking to God isn't about changing Him, what is it for? Read more...
	Review: Lucy \| Feb 12, 2015 Luc Besson's Lucy — a Tale of Gnosticism Read more...
	Love and Friendship \| Feb 9, 2015 Lessons of self-sacrificing love and friendship from an unlikely source: the agape love of Chris Kyle. Read more...
	Forgive Yourself \| Feb 4, 2015 Is it biblical to forgive yourself? Of everyone we know, who is harmed more by our sin than ourselves? Read more...
	I'm not Charlie \| Jan 26, 2015 The murders at 'Charlie Hebdo' were horrific. Many around the world have joined with them in the fight for free speech. But for me, I'm not Charlie. Read more...
	Blame Game \| Jan 19, 2015 Why do we play this game — blame the victim to make ourselves feel safer? God didn't put us — any of us — in a safe world. Read more...
	Into the Woods — A Review \| Jan 12, 2015 Into the Woods intertwines the stories of several fairy tale characters who learn it isn't always good to get what you wish for. Read more...
	How do unbelievers glorify God if they reject Him? \| Dec 31, 2014 How does rejecting God because of misunderstanding actually glorify Him? How does it honor God to send people to hell? Read more...
	Abundantly Clear \| Dec 22, 2014 We're not always told why God allows things to happen. In the moment, it feels like living in mud. But God is, and He has a plan for our good — that is abundantly clear. Read more...
	Accepting Christ: What you don't need to believe to become a Christian \| Dec 16, 2014 What do you have to believe to be a Christian? What don't you have to believe? Read more...
	Sin and Acceptance \| Dec 1, 2014 We are built for community. But not community brought by universal acceptance or validation. Nor by strict rules. We're built for community in Christ. Read more...
	Of Purchase Prices and Restoration \| Nov 19, 2014 A used car may be affordable, but the maintenance costs can be high. Our purchase price was Jesus' blood; will we allow Him to restore us? Read more...
	The Many Betrayals of Broadchurch \| Nov 12, 2014 In the BBC miniseries Broadchurch, every character is betrayed in some way. It's how they respond to that betrayal that's interesting. Read more...
	The End is Better than the Beginning \| Nov 6, 2014 "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride" — Ecclesiastes 7:8. How thinking about the end can control our words in the beginning. Read more...
	Music from a Fallen Christian \| Oct 30, 2014 Should we listen to music performed or written by a Christian who lives in unrepentant sin? Or has wrong theological beliefs? Where do you draw the line between entertainment and influence? Read more...
	Movie Review: The Judge \| Oct 22, 2014 Love and justice have to come together or you don't really have either. Read more...
	Assisted Suicide and Dignity \| Oct 16, 2014 We're told assisted suicide is about death with dignity. For me, "death with dignity" is not a pill but an 80 year old woman dying of cancer, exhaling thankfulness with every last breath. Read more...
	Fall 2014 TV Review \| Oct 8, 2014 A review of three new and one old TV shows showcased in the fall of 2014. Read more...
	Emma Watson: HeForShe \| Sep 29 2014 Emma Watson recently gave a speech for the UN Woman's new HeForShe program, inviting men to help women have gender equality. How does her speech compare with the Bible? Read more...
	Into India — and then back out again \| Sep 24, 2014 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Hundred-Foot Journey, two movies with Indian flavor, show how exploring different cultures can make us more ourselves. Read more...
	The Layers of Christian Growth \| Sep 18, 2014 Confused by theology? Frustrated by sin? Challenged in your faith? Step back. The layers of Christian growth start with your relationship to God. Read more...
	No Excuse \| Jul-Sep, 2014 No matter what our circumstances, and no matter what our relationship is with others, we have no excuse: the wide-open, spacious life reflects the Holy Spirit inside us. 2 Corinthians 6 and the Wide-Open, Spacious Life Responsibilities and Circumstances The Character of Freedom Freedom in Relationships
	Child Trafficking \| Jul-Sep, 2014 Statistics & Analysis: What does recent research tell us about child trafficking? At-Risk Kids: Protecting kids before they become victims. Online Kids: Limiting internet access will protect kids — and their hearts Resources: Statistical Data; Online Resources
	Things I Didn't Know were in 1 Corinthians \| Jul 17, 2014 So, I've been slowly reading through the New Testament. It's interesting how you can discover things you read over 18 times before. It seems like every chapter in 1 Corinthians has at least one little slap across the face. Here are a few. Read more...
	Fallacy and Logic \| Jul, 2014 Christian apologetics is a noble cause, but logic is sometimes a rare commodity. How to argue truth without falling into fallacy. Part 1: Straw Men, False Causes, and Bandwagons Part 2: Genetic Origins, No True Scotsman, and the Texas Sharpshooter Part 3: Appeal to Authority, Personal Incredulity, and the Slippery Slope Start Here
	The Potential and Ethics of 3D Printing \| Jun 24, 2014 3D printing will revolutionize how we get the things we want. But it may also catastrophically change the foreign work force. Read more...
	Persecution of the Saints: Our Best Defense \| Jun 11, 2014 Unless things change, Meriam Ibrahim and Saeed Abedini will die in prison. People around the world — Christian and non — are lobbying for their release. But there is only one hope in the face of Christian persecution. Read more...
	Persecution of the Saints: Meriam Yahia Ibrahim \| May 30, 2014 Meriam Ibrahim is a 27-year-old doctor imprisoned in Sudan for apostasy. With her are her toddler son and her infant daughter. She is scheduled to be executed when her daughter is weaned. What can the church do when faced with such evil? Read more...
	Persecution of the Saints: Saeed Abedini \| May 20, 2014 Saeed Abedini, the Iranian-American pastor, has been sentenced to eight years prison in Iran. How did he get there, and how did Iran get to the point where unlawful imprisonment and torture is an every-day occurrence? Read more...
	How could Adam and Eve have been the origin of the different races? \| May 6, 2014 What is the origin of the different races? How could all the races of the world have come from Adam and Eve? Read more...
	Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven: Loving without Borders \| Apr 30, 2014 The world tells us to take care of needs at home before we worry about others. But is that what Jesus taught? What are the practical implications of being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven? Read more...
	Mercy \| Apr 22, 2014 We hear a lot about grace. We pray for grace. We try to be gracious. But very often what we need is mercy — to receive a pardon, not a blessing; to have a need, not a desire, filled. Read more...
	Compassion International in the Dominican Republic: Context and Overview \| Apr 15, 2014 Compassion International has served children in the Dominican Republic since 1970. Learn more about how they 'release children from poverty in Jesus' name.' Read more...
	From Blind Beggar to Anointed Eyes \| Apr 15, 2014 In John 9, Jesus not only healed the blind beggar's eyes, He anointed them. What does it mean to have anointed eyes? Read more...
	**Divergent and The Grand Budapest Hotel \| Apr 8, 2014** Movie reviews of Divergent and The Grand Budapest Hotel Read more...
	*The Inspiration for the Noah* Movie \| Apr 1, 2014** It's well-established that the Noah movie diverges wildly from the biblical account. But if rock monsters and a murderous Noah aren't from the Bible, where are they from? What inspired the Noah movie? Read more...
	Is having a baby punishment from God? \| Mar 24, 2014 Then-Senator Obama said he did not want his daughters to be punished with a baby. But is having a baby ever punishment? How one small soundbite deceived a generation about the worth of children. Read more...
	What I have I give to you \| Mar 11, 2014 The Bible tells us to love and help unbelievers. What if those unbelievers don't want anything to do with God — the only One Who can really help? Read more...
	Philomena: The Ethics and Reality of Adoption \| Mar 4, 2014 The movie 'Philomena' shows the worst of adoption. But there are other stories. What happens when kids and parents get real? Read more...
	Mark 10 and the World Turned Upside-Down \| Feb 25, 2014 Jesus is radical. He completely turns our world upside-down regarding freedom, position, and honor. Do we believe Him? Read more...
	Review: The Lego Movie \| Feb 18, 2014 Some are born great, some have greatness thrust upon them. But some have a Piece of Resistance stuck to their back while they're trying to impress the girl. Read more...
	Sobriety Stories \| Feb 13, 2014 With the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman, more people are coming out with stories of how they have found some success fighting addiction. Keep it up — those of us who live with addicts need to hear your messages of hope. Read more...
	Nineveh \| Feb 11, 2014 We know we're to forgive our enemies. But do we have the faith to rescue the authors of our future destruction? Read more...
	On Worship and Work \| Feb 7, 2014 What do we do when we realize we don't actually like worship services? Should we skip? Or is the effort in itself a form of worship? Read more...
	Bill Nye and Ken Ham: The Current Argument about an Ancient Question \| Feb 5, 2014 Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate, a nation watches, and both sides claim the win. What are the core issues behind the old earth/new earth argument? Read more...
	Review: The Book Thief \| Jan 16, 2014 A young girl and her brave foster-parents show Nazi Germany what real bravery — and love — looks like. Read more...
	Virtual Child Sex Trafficking: Is it Wrong? \| Jan 7, 2014 It's easy to say virtual child sex trafficking is morally wrong. But in a society where the law is based on more practical things than ethics, how can you prove it? Read more...
	Responsibility: The Easy Burden \| Jan 7, 2014 It took a week of doing nothing to make me realize what I shouldn't be doing. Read more...
	Review: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty \| Jan 7, 2014 Sometimes love, kindness, and duty lead to the biggest adventures of our lives. Read more...
	Love and Marriage: A family tree filled with broken branches \| Dec 20, 2013 What does it take to have a strong marriage in a family defined by divorce? The same thing it would take in any family: God's grace. Read more...
	Free Speech and Duck Calls \| Dec 20, 2013 Duck Dynasty, A&E, free speech, and ducks. What is the message behind the mess? Read more...
	Choose Christmas \| Dec 20, 2013 It's Christmas! Let's act like that's a good thing! Read more...
	Family Holidays: Tidings of Joy \| Dec 3, 2013 Arguments over the menu, over-tired kids, and old wounds. What does the Bible say about surviving family holidays? Read more...
	Who are you? \| Nov 21, 2013 Who are you? Who do others say you are? Who do you believe you are? How do you believe the lies others say about you? And why can't we just accept our identity in Christ and stop worrying about it? Read more...
	An Even Perspective in Persecution \| Nov 21, 2013 Christians are losing their comfort and will lose their liberties. It is inevitable. How we react is up to us. Will we mourn our losses or choose to have God's perspective in persecution? Read more...
	Movie Review: Thor, Ender's Game, Gravity, About Time \| Nov 11, 2013 Thoughts on Thor, Ender's Game, Gravity, About Time. Read more...
	Forgiveness Once-Removed \| Nov 11, 2013 It's one thing to forgive a friend. We all have plenty of experience with that. It's another to forgive someone who hurt your friend. How do you do that? And do you have to? Read more...
	The Conspiracies of Chicken Little \| Nov 7, 2013 It can be emotionally satisfying to spread information about our frustrating culture and government. But is it edifying? Reining in the conspiracies. Read more...
	Indulgence \| Nov 5, 2013 What does it really mean to be indulgent? Is it more indulgent to eat what tastes good or to eat what makes you feel good? Read more...
	Technology and Attention Spans \| Oct 25, 2013 Media and video games are eroding our kids' attention spans. When should we stop fighting it and use technology to our kids' advantage? Read more...
	Milk and Meat \| Oct 16, 2013 Every Christian should learn apologetics, but first we must know our own faith. We must have milk before meat. Read more...
	The Sacrifices of Fierce Love \| Oct 14, 2013 Real love takes sacrifice. Sometimes to reject culture, and sometimes to creatively work around it. Read more...
	Ticket to Mars \| Oct 9, 2013 Plans are underway to send colonists on a one-way trip to Mars. What should Christians consider before signing up? Read more...
	Regret \| Oct 1, 2013 Living with no regrets makes you happy in the moment. But it means living with no repentence and no real joy. Read more...
	Comparison \| Sep 27, 2013 We've been told that it is vain and ungrateful to compare ourselves to our friends. What we often don't realize is that it is also hurtful to that friend. Read more...
	The Gospels and Modern News \| Sep 26, 2013 Why do we have four Gospel accounts? How are the Gospels similar to the modern news we read today? Read more...
	Immortal and Moral \| Sep 16, 2013 Why did God make us with an immortal soul? Why did He give us free will to choose our immortal destiny? Read more...
	Fit is the New Guilty \| Sep 16, 2013 Does "fit is the new skinny" encourage people to live healthy lives? Or make them feel guilty about yet another standard no one can live up to? Read more...
	Endurance in Depression; National Suicide Prevention Week \| Sep 13, 2013 When faced with depression so deep that suicide looks like the only alternative, know that in the moment the goal isn't complete wholeness, it's endurance--the power to take one more step. Read more...
	Introverts in the World \| Sep 10, 2013 There are plenty of articles about how people can take care of their introverted friends. But how should introverts take care of their friends? Read more...
	Holy Jeans \| Sep 9, 2013 What is appropriate attire for church? Should we dress up for church? Read more...
	The Woman at the Well \| Aug 27, 2013 What if the reason the story of the woman at the well is confusing because it's so long been intepreted by men, when it's very much a story about a woman? Read more...
	Deepening the Soul for Justice by Bethany Hoang \| Aug 26, 2013 Passion, righteous anger, and human energy are not enough to fight injustice in the world. We must be equipped by the God of justice. 'Deepening the Soul for Justice' explains how. Read more...
	Schrodinger's Calvinism \| Aug 22, 2013 Spread the gospel; just because we don't know if the cat's alive or dead doesn't mean we should lock him in the freezer. Read more...
	Nail Houses and the Strength of our Convictions \| Aug 15, 2013 When developers come to buy up land, some owners stand firm, as if nailed into the ground. Are our convictions nearly as firm as their nail houses? Read more...
	2013 Movie Recap \| Aug 13, 2013 2013 is proving to be an excellent year for movies. Which is your favorite? Read more...
	Gen-X, Gen-Y, and the Church \| Aug 6, 2013 Gen-X and Millennials are more different than you might think. But they have one strong similarity: how they view the church is highly influenced by how they were raised. Read more...
	Operation Cross Country: Restoration to the Least of These \| Aug 1, 2013 Federal and local law enforcement has just rescued 105 children from sex trafficking. Rescue is one thing, but who will give them restoration? Read more...
	High-Maintenance Ministers \| Jul 24, 2013 When faced with annoying, painful, or debilitating health problems, it's natural to think ministry isn't an option. But sometimes the best ministry is doing what you can without complaining. Read more...
	Dig Deep \| Jul 22, 2013 Like worms, we find life on the surface of things to be easy. But when faced with killer beetles of persecution, we have to dig deep to make a difference in the world. Read more...
	Martin and Zimmerman: of Justice and Mercy \| Jul 17, 2013 Pride can make us hide from our spiritual gifts; narrow-mindedness can make us hoard them. Only love can turn a work into a gift. Read more...
	Works Gift-Wrapped in Love \| Jul 15, 2013 Pride can make us hide from our spiritual gifts; narrow-mindedness can make us hoard them. Only love can turn a work into a gift. Read more...
	The comfort of the Trinity \| Jun 25, 2013 The Trinity is confusing. How can God be Father, Son, and Spirit? We can't say. But we get a small clue when we consider how each part of the Trinity interacts with us. Read more...
	Restoration and Loss \| Jun 17, 2013 A house. A bike. A car. Relationships. Joy. Whatever our loss, God can restore it 100-fold. Read more...
	Childlike faith is about God, not His answers \| Jun 7, 2013 Childlike faith isn't to expect God to immediately give us what we ask for. It's to immediately and always have faith in God. Read more...
	Doing all to the Glory of God \| May 30, 2013 First Corinthians 10:31 says we should do all to the glory of God. How do we accept another's 'all' when it is completely counter to our own convictions? Read more...
	The New Common Core Standards and Understanding the Bible \| May 24, 2013 The new Common Core State Standards Initiative seem to encourage schools to de-emphasize literature and concentrate more on non-fiction information writing. How would this affect readers' understanding of the greatest piece of literature ever—the Bible? Read more...
	The Grace of Church Discipline \| May 24, 2013 Jesus laid out exactly how we are to confront another believer with sin. It's a system designed to create healing and restoration. Abusive or ignored church discipline humiliates and shames the innocent and forsakes the guilty. Read more...
	Feminists for Life: Part 1 \| Part 2 \| Part 3 \| May 14, 2013 Before equal pay and NOW and sexual harassment, the feminist movement was about protecting women. A huge part of that was driven by the need to protect women from abortion. Feminists for Life wants to get back to those roots. Read more...
	Useless Samaritans \| May 14, 2013 We all like to think we'd be the Good Samaritan, but do we take the time to learn what to do when the need arises? Read more...
	Watching the Mighty Fall: Jason Russell, Greg Mortenson, Ted Haggard \| May 3, 2013 Jason Russell, Greg Mortenson, and Ted Haggard claimed to dedicate their lives to helping others but lost credibility when the truth came to light. What happened and how should we respond? Read more...
	Christopher Dorner and Personal Honor II: The Honor of Men \| May 3, 2013 Christopher Dorner's resolutions were mostly logical, objective, and well thought out. He was quick to protect the weak and praise those he respected—while not being blind to their faults and shortcomings. His downfall was that all of these views were motivated by the preservation of his own honor. Read more...
	Christopher Dorner and Personal Honor I: The Manifesto \| Apr 18, 2013 Christopher Dorner was an LAPD officer who claimed he was relieved of duty after he reported another officer for excessive force in 2007. After repeated attempts to maintain his honor, frustrated with losing his job, and watching those he considered to be less honorable receiving accolades and promotions, Dorner went on the offense. Read more...
	Inherently Changeable \| Feb 18, 2013 The belief that everyone can change makes a difference in the way we relate to others. It changes the aggressor from a two-dimensional demon into a real flesh-and-blood creation of God. Corrupt, but still the image of God. How can we really own this belief? Read more...
	Review: Silver Linings Playbook \| Feb 1, 2013 The 2012 movie "Silver Linings Playbook" shows that in hard circumstances, almost any action can feel appropriate. The crazy things we do almost always make sense in the moment. If we do the right things, the world says, it'll all work out. But that's very far from the truth. Read more...
	God's Filter \| Jan 24, 2013 Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and we fall for it. The glare can blind us. But if we look from the perspective of God's worldview, we can see beyond the glitz and glamour, success and fame, money and popularity. Seeing the world from God's perspective alerts us to the dangers the enemy has set up to destroy us. Read more...
	Permission \| Jan 15, 2013 Allow grieving friends the grace to verbalize and manifest what they are feeling. Even the most spiritual person has physical and emotional limits. Acknowledge that even unreasonable responses are legitimate in that moment. It takes time for God to work healing into a person's heart. Don't expect more from your friend than God does. Read more...
	Sick & Tired \| Dec 28, 2012 The Bible doesn't condone laziness, of course (Proverbs 13:4). We should all do what we can. But what if there's an underlying physical problem that one cannot see from the outside? How do we love the person who is sick and tired but never looks like it? Read more...
	Mind Intrusion \| Dec 19, 2012 Most everyone has intrusive thoughts at some point— nasty little ideas that pop up out of nowhere. As disturbing as they can feel, they're very common and don't necessarily mean anything serious. Random thoughts are not sin, although they may become so if we dwell on them. So how can we get rid of them? Read more...
	Happy Holidays \| Dec 5, 2012 Is it blasphemy for a business to use "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"? Is it better to stop hypocritically using Jesus to sell shirts? Or it is far more important overall to promote the welfare of employees, contractors, and suppliers than to validate any particular religion? Read more...
	Unreasonable Love \| Nov 20, 2012 We live in an unreasonable world, and we find it hard to remember how much people matter to God and how little our earthly lives really mean. Jonah did it. Paul did it. But how? How does God prioritize the needs of His people? Read more...
	Idolatry Takes a Hit \| Nov 13, 2012 We have made an idol out of the good life. We have far more luxuries than our families did 100 years ago. Bigger houses, more cars, electronics in every corner. But if we are citizens of Heaven, why are we holding so tightly to what we will leave behind? Read more...
	Is our will really free? \| Nov 12, 2012 The fact that God knows what is going to happen or what has happened has nothing to do with our right to choose. God allows us to make decisions within the context of the world He created. Read two illustrations to explain the reality of an omnipotent God and the reality of our free will. Read more...
	Unpacking Atheism \| Nov 7, 2012 Part 1: Dr. William Lane Craig: Unpacking Atheism Part 2: The Artist and the Lawyer: Dr. Holly Ordway and Randall Niles Part 3: Reaching Atheists: How to share Jesus without scaring friends and family Start here
	A Woman's Greatest Role (It's not what you think...) \| Oct 31, 2012 Christian culture says a woman's greatest role is to get married, have babies, and stay at home. But when that doesn't pan out, does that mean she has failed? One woman discovered that God had something planned that was far beyond the Christian culture's demands. Read more...
	Blasphemy: The Most Serious Sin \| Oct 16, 2012 Worldwide, execution has been the standard punishment for blasphemy. Blasphemy against God is prevalent in media. Of the Ten Commandments, three relate to blasphemy (Exodus 20). But what is it and what does it mean to blaspheme? Read more...
	She and Her \| Oct 3, 2012 Which relationships do you value? Does celebrity affect where you place your friendship value? What if you knew inspiring writers, charismatic musicians, or famous actors? Where would they fall in the ladder of important relationships? Read more...
	Calvinism: Predestination from Another View \| Sep 25, 2012 When we try to analyze the issue of how salvation works, everything gets twisted. Maybe if we come at it from a different angle we can see that from where we stand, it doesn't have to be that complicated. Part I \| Part II \| Part III \| Part IV \| Part V
	Review: So Long, Insecurity: You've been a bad friend to us \| Sep 12, 2012 This New York Times Bestseller is a very personal book written in the midst of struggle. Because of that, it is messy, but it's also passionate and honest. Read more...
	Simple Advice for Someday Newlyweds \| Sep 5, 2012 For the Christian couple who can't afford the wedding of their dreams, can't keep their pants on, and are absolutely committed to their relationship, there's a decision to be made. Read more...
	Movie Review: Brave \| Aug 27, 2012 Who needs to learn bravery in Disney Pixar's anti-princess princess film 'Brave'? It might not be who you're thinking. Read more...
	Metaphor and Literature \| Aug 21, 2012 I think both computer language and computer-based interaction are creating a disconnect between modern readers and the metaphorical language of the Bible. Read more...
	God as coach \| Aug 2, 2012 God as coach — what can we learn about God from an athletic coach? What does a coach/athlete relationship have in common with the God/Christian relationship? Read more...
	What is the Purpose of College? \| Jun 28, 2012 What is the purpose of college? A Pew Research Center report found that 47% of those polled believe the purpose of college is to be trained for a job, 39% believe it is for personal development, and 12% say it is for both. Read more...
	God is Sufficient \| Jun 21, 2012 I am not sufficient to meet all the needs I see around me. I'm not even sufficient to live my own life! But God is sufficient and He can show me which race I'm supposed to be running. I know He'll carry me. But there is no need for me to run what He hasn't given me. He's got it covered. Read more...
	Slavery of The Mind \| Jun 7, 2012 A slave owner said that his slaves are not paid because they are part of the land. How often do we allow our lives and minds to become a part of this world because of slavery of the mind? Read more...
	Empathy and The One Who is Always There \| May 30, 2012 Everyone around us who should have been there or who we want to be there or who is there in a limited way is really just an instrument of the One Who is always there. God shows empathy for us through one another. Read more...
	Church Outreach: In the World, But Not of the World \| May 16, 2012 The Bible tells believers to be in the world, but not of the world. Can the same thing be applied to the philosophy of the church in its outreach ministries? Is outreach the best way for the church to be in the world but not of the world? Read more...
	Is Hormonal Birth Control Safe? \| May 16, 2012 Is the birth control pill a good, safe option for women? Hormonal contraceptives have some side-effects that many doctors don't think are valid. But your friends may have stories that will prove otherwise. Read more...
	Prophet: A Totally Biased Review \| May 9, 2012 The character of Ela is by turns familiar, inspiring, and convicting. She's a prophet, but she still has doubt, fear, and a wicked temper. She learns how to listen to Him and obey even when it's really hard. For the unbeliever, it's a great picture of God's love and grace. Read more...
	TV Show Review: Once Upon a Time \| May 2, 2012 The Once Upon a Time TV show is about a group of fantasy characters who are leading double lives in the real world. There is drama, action and romance, plus a few Christian parallels. Read more...
	A Risk Worth Taking: Muslim Christian Conflict \| Apr 25, 2012 To the world, when a Muslim high school student kills his Christian teacher, it is just another story of Muslim Christian conflict and the evils of religion. But to those involved in bringing the gospel to Muslims, it represents a risk worth taking. Read more...
	The Humility of Scientific Modeling \| Apr 25, 2012 Scientific modeling is so ingrained in the science culture that it's rarely mentioned. It allows scientists to say, "This is the way it is, now and forever!" and then the next week they completely contradict themselves with absolutely no sign of irony or chagrin. Read more...
	The Wisdom of Unanswered Prayer \| Apr 11, 2012 Why is it that when we don't get what we want from God we immediately assume that He doesn't exist or isn't listening? Isn't it more likely that He is wiser than us and knows that what we want isn't the best thing for us? Read more...
	A Christian Perspective on The Hunger Games \| Apr 4, 2012 The Hunger Games. It's not a romance, I tell my friends. They're not easy. They don't have a Hollywood ending. But they're awesome, and you have to read them. They are rich with meaning. They take work. Read more...
	Worship Babe: Thoughts on Women in Ministry \| Mar 13, 2012 What roles do women in ministry take on? Is there any one "right ministry" for women to do? Our different talents and abilities make the church stronger. Women in ministry don't all have to be the same or do the same types of activities. Read more...
	How old is the Earth? \| Jan 31, 2012 How old is the earth? Bible records are clear that the earth is relatively young. But scientists say the earth is very old. And theologians are stuck in the middle. Read more...
	Our Story \| Jan/Feb, 2012 Part 1: Salvation and our Personal Story Part 2: Can God Use a Broken Story? Part 3: Salvation and Personal Responsibility Our personal stories make us who we are. Sometimes we can choose those stories. Sometimes we can't. But God has a much bigger story planned, and we are all called to be heroes. Start here...
	The God Virus \| Jan 7, 2012 Some atheists have started comparing belief in God to a virus—a foreign pathogen that infects people and makes them lose the ability to think clearly. Is this a scientific description? Or are the atheists the attackers? Read more...
	Science Fiction and Apologetics \| Sep-Nov 2011 The Eternal God: The timelessness of God and the futility of predicting the future Free Will and a Blue Box: Some things are fixed in time Calvinism and Vincent: Vincent van Gogh and our responsibilities in the midst of Calvinism Faith of Dragons: What dragons and stars can show about having faith in God Sins, Souls, and Sentience: Would you fight for the life of an android? Daughters and Gifts: Jean Grey and the difference between nurturing and controlling Start Here
	Trafficking 9: Us \| Aug 29, 2011 Men and women are to help each other through difficulties and encourage each other to stay close to God. That's incredibly difficult when dealing with a sin that involves so much fear, condemnation and shame. We can't help each other out of sexual sin if we refuse to talk. Read more...
	Trafficking 8: A Clean, Well-Lighted Place \| Aug 26, 2011 Homes for sex trafficking victims are few and far between. But they're absolutely essential for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Girls need clothes, toiletries, beds, school supplies, and food. But most of all, they need Christ's love through us. Read more...
	Trafficking 7: The Girls \| Aug 23, 2011 Broken bones, PTSD, drug addictions, extreme anxiety, guilt, trauma-bonds—it's amazing how similar victims of trafficking are to POWs. Read more...
	Trafficking 6: We Are the Body \| Aug 18, 2011 God equipped the church with certain skills. The church is the way in which He chooses to interact with the world today. It is our job to be on the front lines. Read more...
	Trafficking 5: Father to the Fatherless \| Aug 17, 2011 There is no intrinsic, human difference between one individual and another. What do you see when you look at a trafficked person? Read more...
	Trafficking 4: Eve \| Aug 2, 2011 Woman, the last and best of God's creation. What happened to turn her into a semi-useful appliance? How has sin affected womanhood and how women experience life? How does Christ restore her? Read more...
	Trafficking 3: Sex Trafficking \| Jul 25, 2011 "She chose it." "She's a drug addict." "She could just quit." What if she didn't choose? What if she's forced to do drugs? What if she knows if she quits she'll be killed? What if she needs our help? Read more...
	Trafficking 2: Labor Trafficking \| Jul 20, 2011 When we think about slavery, we think people in fields, working for no pay and living in squalor. That's still true. But they could also be your hotel housekeeper. Welcome to the world of labor trafficking. Read more...
	Human Trafficking: Statistics and Definitions \| Jul 15, 2011 This world preys on the innocent — always has and always will. We now have the opportunity to fight back and work to free the millions who are caught in modern-day slavery. Start here, by looking at these human trafficking statistics. Read more...
	What's the Deal With: Twilight, Harry Potter and Whedon? \| Jul 7, 2011 When is a story about witches not about witches? What's the deal with Twilight, Harry Potter and all those other fantasy books? And why are those space cowboys swearing in Chinese? Read more...
	What's the Deal With: Fantasy Genres? \| Jul 5, 2011 Vampires, werewolves, zombies, and octopus-wearing dirigible riders seem to be swamping popular culture lately. What's the deal with all the fantasy genres? Read more...
	Planting and Harvesting: Forgive and Forget \| Jun 27, 2011 We are quick to point out how seasons are like the rhythms of human life in macro. But it could be that the annual ebb and flow of life and death also illustrate how forgiveness works? How does trimming trees relate to forgiving and forgetting? Read more...
	When Others are Weak: Look to God \| Jun 23, 2011 God supports us through people, spiritually and physically. But people are not God, and when weakness strikes, we have to look to God, or we are not going to be able to help. Read more...
	Strength in Weakness: The Metaphor that Wasn't \| Jun 20, 2011 Weakness and illness may be the spiritual metaphor that isn't. Our physical weakness was caused by our spiritual weakness. And we react in the same way—either in gratitude that others are able to help, or in fear that they see our vulnerability. Read more...
	Animals: Metaphor on The Hoof \| Jun 13, 2011 Sure mules are stubborn. But if animals are metaphors, it's obvious how much we have in common with them. Read more...
	Animals: putting the "fur" in metafur for millennia. \| Jun 7, 2011 If God's purpose for this whole weird world is teach us about Him, animals have to be part of the lesson. But what metaphor can be found in a neurotic dog that pees everywhere? Read more...
	*Crucifixion? Jesus had to die. But why did He have to die like that?* \| Jun 6, 2011 Sin requires a blood offering. The restoration of the world required the blood of a sinless man. But why the crucifixion? Why hours of torture and agony? Couldn't the God of the universe have been satisfied with something less brutal? Read more...
	Weather: the living metaphor, reminding us how damaging our sin is \| Jun 2, 2011 Thousands of years into live on this world, and we've lost remembrance of Eden. We read about the curse on the land, but don't stop to think what it means. Weather is a living metaphor, reminding us what our sin has done. Read more...
	Home by Nightfall \| May 24, 2011 We try to simplify God too much. How does free will (or free-ish will) and predestination work out? At what point on a troubled soul's journey does "once saved-always saved" become "she was never saved"? Truth is, we don't know how it all works out. But we can be sure we will arrive home by nightfall. Read more...
	Unlatched: A Story About Marriage in Heaven \| May 20, 2011 Many couples will be relieved to find there is no marriage in heaven. A handful of others will be greatly distressed. What if you love your spouse so much you want to be married for eternity? Won't God give you the desires of your heart? Read more...
	Suburbia and The Family Unit: Homework \| May 19, 2011 The rise of the suburbs was an unavoidable cultural phenomenon. Cleaner air, more room, and safer streets are all good things. But the ‘burbs also mean more work and less time. How did a new house with a yard exhaust stay-at-home moms and make dads all but disappear? Read more...
	Suburbia and The Family Unit: Domestic Engineering \| May 16, 2011 We tend to so identify with cultural standards that they become indistinguishable from spiritual truths. A big standard in America is a house in the suburbs. When did suburbia become a virtue? And is vacuuming a spiritual discipline? Read more...
	The royal wedding doesn't matter. Except that it does. \| Apr 30, 2011 Why does the royal wedding matter? It doesn't. Not really. Why doesn't it matter that the royal wedding doesn't matter? Because someday, that'll be us. Read more...
	Adoption, The Series \| Apr/May, 2011 I knew God would use adoption to teach me about myself. What I didn't realize was how much I'd learn about God. Part 1: Adopting a New Way to Look at God Part 2: Adopted by Father-God Part 3: Adopting a New Life Part 4: A Whole New World Part 5: Adoption is Forever

Image: sea turtle; "Awesomeness"; Creative Commons