Those who study religion and its impact in our society continue to surface helpful, and at times surprising, research results. I remember a report from a few years ago. The results indicated that people who see themselves as lost and outside of Christ think doctrine is very important. Of those who admitted that they were …
Author Archives: bro.bobyoung
My Faith Grew by Hearing
I was visiting an old southeast Oklahoma rancher. He and his wife had a beautiful view of the meadows and hills, framed by mountains all around. I’ll call him Bill. Bill blessed me on that visit–probably without realizing it. Conversation turned to matters of faith and trust, creation and God’s sustaining power. Bill didn’t hesitate …
Golfing and God
I few years ago, I was asked to speak at a weekend men’s retreat. I got to spend time with a group of men from a church in Bentonville, Arkansas. We talked about priorities; we discussed discouragement. The group discussion returned several times to an illustration I use to describe our Christian lives. I begin …
Birds, Birds Everywhere! [Psalm 84]
When I wrote about a bird in the Cleveland airport, my mind went to Psalm 84. I share another “bird story.” A few years ago, we had a problem down at the church house. We had too many birds–specifically, they had gotten into our Family Life Center. They were messy! Again, my mind goes to …
Another “God Thing”
Jan and I enjoy going back to places we have known in the past. In 2025 we plan to travel together to the Dominican Republic, to Ecuador and Colombia, to Honduras, and to several stateside locations. Going back to special places from our past is always a blessing. I am reminded of how my life …
Psalm 84: Dwelling in a Lovely Place
I was in the Cleveland airport waiting for my next flight. The weather outside was typical of early April in northern Ohio–overcast, blustery, even cold. All around me, people were astir with attention focused on one thing–a single sparrow that had found her way into the warmth and hospitality of the airport. I don’t know …
I Want to be BOLD: Four Commitments
Several years ago, I replaced the traditional New Year’s resolutions with commitments. Commitments give me space for growth, beginning again as I seek to correct errors, constant renewal. Let me suggest four commitments that will make a difference as we seek to live as disciples of Jesus. I want to be bold. When I read …
Merry Christmas 2024!
Merry Christmas! May your day be blessed with an awareness of God’s blessings and meaningful reflections about God’s plans for your future. I share two quotations: gifts that you can give to others and to yourself today, and every day. Christmas gift suggestions:To your enemy, forgiveness.To an opponent, tolerance.To a friend, your heart.To a customer, …
Just thinking….Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving Day! Can we talk briefly? Will you think with me? On Thanksgiving, we are often thankful for those things that separate us from others — things that identify us as special or extra blessed in comparison to the rest of humanity. When we are thankful for health, freedom, our nation, or abundant physical …
Sunday: Thankful For–Thankful Anyway
Life is difficult. Very few people would claim that life is without difficulties and challenges, disappointments and regrets. We would like to change some things about the past. We wish there were “do overs.” Things have not come out as we planned, hoped, dreamed. People, even in our own family and among those closest to …