The following is a recent interview I did on the topic of happiness. I appreciated being able to address how someone who is depressed can still move toward experiencing a deep happiness and joy in Christ, which is a question I’ve been asked about frequently since my book was released. Question: When you look at happiness, is there a distinction between joy and happiness? Randy: Interestingly, this has been taught as if it were fact for many years, and there have... Read more
A few years ago, I spoke at a Desiring God National Conference in a session titled “C.S. Lewis on Heaven and the New Earth: God’s Eternal Remedy to the Problem of Evil and Suffering.” One of the things I shared is the irony that in a day when many people edit theology to fit their desires, they ignore biblical truths about eternity that are far more desirable than what they falsely believe. Shouldn’t we embrace the true biblical teaching of the... Read more
Fear comes in many forms. We can fear making the wrong decision or disappointing our friends. We can also fear that our children will be snatched, the car brakes will fail, or the plane will crash. We may experience fear about our country’s future and the direction of the world around us. Our immediate response to a threatening situation like a loud noise or a scream is usually a reflexive or involuntary fear. This initial fear is uncontrollable. What we... Read more
In light of all the recent tragic events in our country, it seems a good time to share this blog.* Not long ago a friend asked me to write down for him what I think are some of the important problems our nation is facing today. Here was my response, and those from many other nations may be seeing some of the same things. Unbelief (failure to trust Christ) Self-justification, rationalization, and refusal to repent Nominal, self-serving belief in a... Read more
As followers of Christ, we’re to be characterized by generosity, humility, and gratitude. That extends to how well we tip those who serve us at restaurants and other places. Scripture says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives” (Psalm 37:21). I have heard many stories from restaurant servers, both believers and unbelievers, who say that they get the smallest... Read more
I’ve known Christian parents who wish their teenagers wouldn’t watch R-rated movies, wish their daughters wouldn’t wear suggestive swimsuits and prom dresses, and wish their sons wouldn’t put sexually provocative posters on their walls, look at pornography on their phones, or listen to music that glorifies immorality. We must stop wishing and start acting! God does not give us responsibility without corresponding authority. “But I don’t want my children to think I don’t trust them.” Trust is important, but it... Read more
Karen Coleman is a dear sister I worked with many years ago at my home church, Good Shepherd. She and her family spent 23 years in Cameroon, West Africa involved in Bible translation and missionary care, and now we have the privilege of having her on our EPM staff. I can’t think of anyone better qualified to write about developing a heart for missions. David Bryant asks, “Who wouldn’t like to end each day, putting our heads on our pillows, confidently saying,... Read more
Marriage is the heart of the home. A good marriage precedes good parenting, and no amount of good parenting compensates for a poor marriage. And one of the best ways to have a good, strong marriage is by spending quality time together. I get that life is busy and money can be tight. But make it a priority to date your spouse. Put it in your schedule and your budget! Even when our girls were small, Nanci and I would... Read more
A reader recently asked me a thoughtful question about something I posted on Facebook that used the term “racial profiling.” As a police officer, he was wondering what I meant by that, and whether I was referring specifically to profiling by law enforcement. This is an important question, so I will give it a thorough answer. I Googled “racial profiling” and this is what came up first: “the use of race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of having... Read more
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, one of the children asks Mr. and Mrs. Beaver about Aslan the Lion, who is a figure of Christ: “Is Aslan quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” “That you will dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver. “If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or just plain silly.” “Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t... Read more
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