As a fisherman on Lake Michigan (one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes), I’ve had to change my plans on many occasions. Stormy weather or high waves have forced me to resort to a Plan B: either canceling the trip or limiting my fishing to the safer waters of a harbor or smaller inland... read more »

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked in the last couple of weeks, “Are you ready for Christmas?” What they are asking is if I have all the presents bought, wrapped, and under the tree, and is all my grocery shopping and baking done. But, when I close my eyes, I can hear my... read more »

When an atheist online reader of ODJ submitted a comment that called religion “anti-science” and Christianity “magic,” a fascinating online dialog ensued. I thought of the books authored by brilliant minds—articulating a reasoned and logical case for belief in God. I pondered the... read more »

My husband and sons fish. They each have a tackle box with various lures for different types of fish. From experience, they’ve learned what is best for each type of fish. “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became... read more »

I was asked that very question by a “concerned” brother. Then I was told by that brother that I should not play drums in a club or a place that did not honor God. (I guess I would not be able to play in some churches, but that’s another story!) While I can appreciate his concern, I... read more »

“There are two kinds of people,” said advice columnist Abigail Van Buren. “Those who walk into a room and say, ‘There you are!’ and those who say, ‘Here I am!’” The one Person who could have rightly declared, “Here I am,” seemed oddly reluctant to promote Himself. Jesus was... read more »

 1) WHO AM I? (IDENTITY) Declaring that I am a child of the living God, who is saved by His grace, sanctified, satisfied, Holy Spirit filled, more than a conqueror in Jesus Christ the Anointed One, a winner, special, and originally designed, one who is blessed, highly favored and... read more »

John 8:2-6: Early the next morning He was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and He sat down and taught them. As He was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.... read more »

In his book Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, George Barna reveals this interesting research statistic: Children are eight times more likely to accept Jesus as their Savior than teenagers and adults. Barna’s findings are important. Along with the practical implication of needing to... read more »

One truly thrilling moment in sports is the last quarter mile of a horse race, when “down the stretch they come!” Spectators are mildly interested in the initial legs of the race, as the horses jockey for position and conserve their energy for the home stretch. But their roar is deafening when... read more »