Every once in a while one comes across an article that both challenges (assumptions) and confirms (beliefs) that one simply must tell others about it. This weekend I read a research article of that worth. Parents of all stripes, as well as any of us who have had parents (yes, everyone) should read the cover article for the January issue of Christianity Today, “The Myth of the Perfect Parent.” It’s excellent. The subtitle gives part of the premise: “Why the best parenting techniques don’t produce Christian children.” Here’s an excerpt that notes the folly...

On the weekend after Christmas I enjoyed the opportunity to preach at our church (previous times here and here). The text was Luke 15, and I called it “The Search.” (Listen here.) Three key themes emerged from Luke 15: A deeper view of our sin // we are lost A higher view of our value // we are treasured A farther view of salvation // Jesus is the Relentless Shepherd The background was key, especially about the Pharisees. Won’t go into it here, but suffice to say they were not villains or extremists. They were the moral middle class, and they are more like us than we even realize....

Tonight’s BCS National Championship game started with Texas quarterback Colt McCoy — the most aptly-named player in the nation for position and geography — injuring his throwing shoulder. A bummer for the ‘horns who are down 24-6 at the half. McCoy and one of his opponents, Heisman trophy winning running back Mark Ingram of Alabama, have been profiled on ESPN’s “Sport Science,” which gives us a detailed scientific take on sports. One segment compared Colt McCoy’s passing ability to the accuracy required by a trained skeet shooter. Watch another segment as...

Two quotes stuck with me yesterday morning, with truth connected to identity and hope. This one from a college student whose life has been utterly transformed by Christ: “I didn’t realize it but over time my faith in Christ was shifting into some quazi self/church based faith where my only real relationship with God was intellectual… it was really lame, and it’s been a necessarily painful shift back.” There’s obviously a who context to that statement, which I won’t get into here. The growing pains are worth it. I commended this disciple to “Let...

Matt Perman writes: Listening is not simply, or mainly, hearing what the other person is saying. It is thinking about what they are saying, and doing so from their point of view. Implication: This includes a willingness to be influenced by others. If you are generally unaffected by what other people say, you aren’t listening. Do you agree? SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Listening is more than hearing", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2010/01/04/listening-is-more-than-hearing/" });

A fascinating 5 minute TED talk, “4 ways sounds affect us” Abstract: Playing sound effects both pleasant and awful, Julian Treasure shows how sound affects us in four significant ways. Listen carefully for a shocking fact about noisy open-plan offices. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How sounds affect us", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2010/01/03/how-sounds-affect-us/" });

Who will be the most famous person this year? How about Persons? I say it will be The Triune Creator God. How so? As They work out the unified mission in this world, for our good and to the glory of God the Father, Son and Spirit. More and more people will take notice and be renewed to a saving knowledge in Jesus. It’s not trendy but will become more increasingly the trend as the future becomes the present. This new year presents endless opportunities for good and bringing hope to a dark work. It will be quite an adventure. It’s always good to start new adventures with some essential...

Merry Christmas, all! Not Only Christmas Day Lord, this is my prayer Not only on Christmas Day But until I see You face to face May I live my life this way: Just like the baby Jesus I ever hope to be, Resting in Your loving arms Trusting in Your sovereignty. And like the growing Christ child In wisdom daily learning, May I ever seek to know You With my mind and spirit yearning. Like the Son so faithful Let me follow in Your light, Meek and bold, humble and strong Not afraid to face the night. Nor cowardly to suffer And stand for truth alone, Knowing that Your kingdom Awaits my going home. Not...

Wonder what Jesus looks like? We don’t know. One day we shall see Him as He is, and become like Him (1 John 3:2). (Doubt He looks like the blue-eyed, blond-haired version sold here in the States as “Jesus junk,” that is, as trinkets.) Yet, we do have some clues as to what He is like. His character shines through brighter than His physical appearance. He’s full of compassion (Matthew 9:36: σπλαγχνίζομαι = moved with compassion), which is much deeper than mere emotion. More broadly, He’s full of grace and truth. He is the living embodiment of Grace, and...

It seems popular in recent years to bemoan the fact that CHRISTMAS is often truncated to X-mas (or Xmas) in written communication. “Keep the Christ in Christmas!” is the rallying cry. I agree. Keep Christ in everything. Everyday. Always. Not just from the day after Thanksgiving until the New Year. Nor only as a Baby in a seasonal nativity scene. It may be helpful to take a step back and realize what that “X” stands for. X marks the spot where God’s glory was revealed, on the cross. Every time I see Xmas I think of the Cross. More to the grammatical point, X is the...