Christian hope isn’t about “finding a happy place.” We place our hope in who God is, what He has done for us, and what He has promised us—no more, no less—while we navigate the ups and downs of life.
Dreams, Disappointment, Hope, and Why This Blog Is Called “Average Us” - Well over a decade ago, a good friend challenged me with this question: What do you dream about? I remember feeling creases deepen on my brow as I answered emphatically, and somewhat bitterly, I don’t dream. I’ve had enough disappointment already. This post is about why I stopped dreaming, how I eventually discovered that hope … Continue reading Dreams, Disappointment, Hope, and Why This Blog Is Called “Average Us”
God’s Will and Your Big, Stupid Mistakes—4 Things to Remember - When was the last time you really blew it? I mean, really, really blew it? Like, “This-is-the-end-I’ll-never-recover-my-life-is-over, blew it?” Are you there now? Full of despair like the man in this painting? If so, please believe this: Goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the … Continue reading God’s Will and Your Big, Stupid Mistakes—4 Things to Remember
Will God Forgive Me? Again? - Will God forgive me? Again? I asked this a lot when I was a young Christian. I was very uncertain about the answer. [Illustration courtesy of Martin Bolchover Art & Illustration] Sadly, I gave myself plenty of opportunities to ask the question; I am a frequent offender against God’s law, aka, a sinner. Like the Apostle … Continue reading Will God Forgive Me? Again?
How to Pray for a Friend - If you’re an average sort like me then you’ve had plenty of opportunities to offer a friend or family member a well-meaning, “I’ll remember you in my prayers.” Sometimes you say this via Facebook or Twitter and you say, “sending thoughts and prayers your way,” or just plain, “thinking of you.” And then, because you’re … Continue reading How to Pray for a Friend
The New City Catechism iPad App Review (and Why It’s Worth Your Time) - 2013 is drawing to a close and so is my journey with Heidi through 52 weeks of the New City Catechism. At this writing, we’re on question 51 of this free Christian education app for iPad, a joint project of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, and The Gospel Coalition. We’ve enjoyed many conversations as rich … Continue reading The New City Catechism iPad App Review (and Why It’s Worth Your Time)
Where is God When All Your News Is Bad? - Here’s the news Dawn and I have received in the last 24 hours: 〉A loved one’s recent surgery to remove a lump in his colon revealed cancer in four lymph nodes. 〉An elderly woman whom I had once pastored, and who had always loved Dawn and me unconditionally, died yesterday from Alzheimer’s and cancer. 〉My … Continue reading Where is God When All Your News Is Bad?
Selling the Gospel—The Christian Hype That Stifles Christian Hope - Jesus may have been the worst salesman ever. And the good news he announced is definitely the worst sales pitch ever. It could be lampooned like this: “Repent and surrender everything you have and everything you hope to be to me. Do this, and your life might be worse—maybe a lot worse. Eventually, I’ll give … Continue reading Selling the Gospel—The Christian Hype That Stifles Christian Hope
Practically Everything You’ll Ever Need to Know About Finding God’s Will for Your Life - “He’s so full of the Holy Spirit, he won’t drink a cup of coffee unless God tells him to.” Years ago, that’s what someone told me about a Christian leader he was all fired-up about. Wow! I wish God spoke with me that way. Then I could be sure I understood His will for my … Continue reading Practically Everything You’ll Ever Need to Know About Finding God’s Will for Your Life
Average Us 