Chicken Feathers

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There was a peasant with a troubled conscience who went to a monk for advice. He said that he had circulated an awful story about a friend, only to find out later that the story was not true. “If you want to make peace with your conscience,” the monk said, “you must fill a bag with chicken feathers, go to every door in the village, and drop at each of them one fluffy feather.”

Sex and the Single Christian

Young Couple

Young Couple, by Richard Foster (Flickr), Creative Commons License

“In a recent study conducted by ChristianMingle.com, Christian singles between the ages of 18 to 59 were asked, ‘Would you have sex before marriage?’ The response? Sixty-three percent of the single Christian respondents indicated yes.” [1]

The Pickle Jar

(cc) Ken Kennedy (Flickr)

(cc) Ken Kennedy (Flickr)

Making their way into the large classroom, the students began to settle into their seats and prepare for the day’s instruction. They were mostly freshmen, trying to figure out all of the intricacies of college life, the majority of them still somewhat awkward and uncertain of themselves in this new environment. It was only the third week of school.

How Do You Kill 11 Million People?

Hitler 1928 (Wikipedia)

Hitler 1928 (Wikipedia)

Adolph Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933. The Nazis were defeated by the Allied powers in 1945. During that twelve-year period, Hitler slaughtered approximately eleven million people, mostly Jews, as part of his “Final Solution”.

Consider the numbers. How can one corrupt, narcissistic dictator affect the systematic annihilation of over eleven million people, with very little resistance on the part of those being murdered? According to Andy Andrews, by lying to them.

Dad Talk: Leadership 3

(cc) heymarchetti - Flickr

(cc) heymarchetti - Flickr

When it comes to leading my children, in matters of principle or conviction I must stand my ground. I cannot compromise or “give in” when establishing and enforcing rules for their conduct that are based on God’s principles. My children need to know where the boundaries are. They need to understand that some things are wrong, period; and that some things are required of them, period. They must come to a realization of the life-critical truth that choices have consequences, both here and in eternity. If I fail to implant that truth deeply within their hearts, I have failed them. If I compromise the “rules” to be their “friend”, I may be jeopardizing their eternity.

The Prodigal Son (Prodigal’s Perspective)

Return of the Prodigal Son by Murillo

Return of the Prodigal Son by Murillo

[PART 3 OF 4]

In the previous article, we looked at the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the perspective of the father in the parable. In this article, we will re-examine the parable from the perspective of the prodigal son himself.

Go ahead and read through the parable again by clicking here. Then come back and continue reading.

The Santa Claus Factor 5

© Scott Hancock - Fotolia

© Scott Hancock - Fotolia

[PART 5 OF 5]

I believe that the story of Santa Claus is the story of God!

As I’ve stated in my previous “Santa Claus Factor” articles, I believe the story of Santa Claus can be viewed as a parable that teaches us some important lessons about God. This will be my last article in this series.

The Santa Claus Factor 4

© Scott Hancock - Fotolia

© Scott Hancock - Fotolia

[PART 4 OF 5]

I believe that the story of Santa Claus is the story of God!

In the last article, we discussed Santa’s list. We noticed the similarities between Santa’s “nice” and “naughty” lists, and God’s. In this article, we will continue to explore the parable-like nature of the Santa Claus story, and its ability to help us understand God a little better.

The Santa Claus Factor 3

© Scott Hancock - Fotolia

© Scott Hancock – Fotolia

[PART 3 OF 5]

From last time:

I believe that the story of Santa Claus is the story of God!

Let’s continue looking at the parable-like nature of the Santa Claus story, and discover more of the things that Santa Claus can help us understand better about God.