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The answer to this question depends on what the ends or goals are and what means are being used to achieve them. If the goals are good and noble, and the means we use to achieve them are also good and noble, then yes, the ends do justify the means. But that’s not what most people mean when they use the expression. Most use it as an excuse to achieve their goals through any means necessary, no matter how immoral, illegal, or unpleasant the means may be. What the…

In an effort to give my brother and I a wholesome country upbringing, when I was six years old, my family moved from a lovely four bedroom home on a few acres in the Poconos that was built by my grandfather to our 77 acres of hunting land in Potter County, Pennsylvania. The mile-long “driveway”, which our Vermont relatives affectionately named the “goat path”, wound it’s way to the cabin at the top of the mountain (pictured above). It was one…

I recently found myself in the midst of a discouraging emotional funk.  It started as an "off day" and the next thing I knew two weeks passed, full of negativity and discouragement, lacking hope and faith for the future, and I will be honest - even moments of wondering whether God could salvage anything good from my life and circumstances.  Normally, I am rather even-keeled and not prone to bouts of negativity that last more than a day.  I tried…

The battleground over racisms' ugly tentacles is continuing to dominate the political and social landscapes. With a backdrop of rioting and looting by anarchists and agitators that are simply opportunists, there lies the reality of a world at war. Spiritual war. A battle for the heart of man that Satan has whipped into a desperate frenzy in these last days. The voices are many and the messages predictable. It truly is a heart issue. Racism has been in existence since…

I know I shouldn’t be amazed but I still am. When God decides to invade our world in a completely unexpected way. It’s all He wants to do. Every day. Colleen and I were meandering down the street in Stone Harbor after a filling, and I mean filling, breakfast. We saw a four-legged friend we had encountered the day before but without a personal introduction. A gorgeous white lab that captured our heart. Especially my wife’s heart, who I often call Dr..…

I know I shouldn’t be amazed but I still am. When God decides to invade our world in a completely unexpected way. It’s all He wants to do. Every day. Colleen and I were meandering down the street in Stone Harbor after a filling, and I mean filling, breakfast. We saw a four-legged friend we had encountered the day before but without a personal introduction. A gorgeous white lab that captured our heart. Especially my wife’s heart, who I often call Dr..…

One of the keys to success in God's kingdom is learning to walk with him in humility. "Success" is subjective and will likely look different as we grow and change with the seasons of life and the seasons of our Christian journey. But it is a universal need to humbly partner with the Godhead, to adopt this posture and attitude in every area of life where we want to see success and Godly momentum. Being humble is showing deference or respect - it is the…

The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters! 20 For against its will the universe itself has had to endure the empty futility resulting from the consequences of human sin. But now, with eager expectation, 21 all creation longs for freedom from its slavery to decay and to experience with us the wonderful freedom coming to God’s children. 22 To this…

Walking the campus of my High School with K-9 units roaming the halls was a harrowing experience for a young teenager. It was the mid-70’s and America was at war. “Race Riots” was our descriptor. Fights broke out daily and police handcuffed more students than I can remember. Fear reigned in the hearts of us all - black and white. Knives and guns were confiscated regularly. Locker shakedowns - it felt like we were in prison. It was evident in our perplexed.…