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*Class time is 6:30 PM EASTERN.

First, let me say that I am not going to give you any deep theological arguments here. I’m also not going to give you any kind of history lesson. This is simply my opinion and the way our family felt we were to handle this holiday that has become so popular in American culture. Second, even though it is my opinion, it is based upon Scripture which, as a Christian, is the plumbline by which all things are measured in my life. In other words, if you have a differing opinion, that is perfectly fine. But please don’t just say I’m wrong; at least give a reasonable defense for your own opinion. I’m not trying to change your opinion but am simply offering an explanation for mine.

The fifth chapter of Ephesians talks about how Christians are of the light and non-Christians are of darkness. In Scripture darkness is frequently used to characterize Satan and anything that is in opposition to God. Ephesians 5:11a tells Christians not to “participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness.” This is the verse that always came to my mind when thinking of Halloween. No one can deny that the roots of this holiday as well as many modern-day practices of it are, indeed, characterized by darkness – ghosts, ghouls, demons, witches, blood and guts, etc. It never seemed like something that a child of the Light should participate in. One has only to do a Bible word search on witchcraft or sorcery to see what God thinks of that.

Since Halloween is geared so much towards children, we felt it was very important to handle this in a way that clearly taught our beliefs to our children from a very young age. Above all, we wanted to live out our faith in a way that was consistent with what we said we believed and, as best we could tell, lined up with the Word of God. However, we also did not want to give the impression that we thought anyone who took their children trick-or-treating was in essence worshiping the devil. A delicate balance, for sure.

So this is how we lived out our beliefs about Halloween:

When our children were about 3-4 years of age and old enough to sorta kinda know something was afoot, on the night of Halloween we would go to Chuck E. Cheese (or somewhere similar). Since we did not eat out frequently, this was a special treat and, believe me, we had the place all to ourselves! Once they got a little older, we would let them choose where we would go the night of Halloween.

If there was a fall festival either at our church or an area church, we would take our children to it. We believe that honoring God and thanking Him for the bountiful harvest of the season is a worthy tradition that is not unbiblical.

If costumes were involved, then we encouraged our children to choose either a Bible character (much better heroes than Ninja turtles or Batman!) or one of God’s creatures.

Once our children got to about age 10, we began passing out candy to trick-or-treaters and we would let our children choose what kind of Halloween candy they wanted to pass out. (Guess who got all the leftovers?!) We would stay home and have a party while they passed out candy. We would include with the candy Christian stickers or cartoon books. One year a favorite with the trick-or-treaters were the smashed pennies with the 10 Commandments on them that we passed out. Many times we would set up a fire pit in the front yard or driveway and cook hot dogs while the kids took turns at the candy station at the end of the driveway. They would alternate passing out candy with playing flashlight tag, jumping on the trampoline, and just running around the yard as kids like to do. (Scroll to the bottom for links to some of our favorite Christian “extras” to pass out.)

Now that my children are grown, I continue to pass out candy with some type of inspirational treat.

I guess the title of this post isn’t really true. Our family does do Halloween. We just do it differently from most. I believe my children have many great “Halloween” memories. Hopefully, those memories are God-honoring and biblical. I know we did the best we could to live out our faith without compromise but also in a way that shared our faith with others in a loving way. And I can honestly say that I have no regrets!

Along with candy, some of our favorite inspirational extras to pass out come from the ministry Way of the Master and their online store Living Waters. They have a “Halloween Outreach Pack” here. Another favorite is their million dollar bill tract (they also have a special masked edition). Kids absolutely LOVE these. Take a look at all of their tracts here. 

Churches had to make a big pivot in 2020, and most of them did it with remarkable grace and flexibility. Small churches that had not done much with technology were thrust into the digital world, and they made virtual services happen whether it was through Facebook Live, YouTube, or other platforms.

Pastors had to pivot, too. They had to figure out how to minister to their flock without coming into direct contact with them. And they got creative! Annual Easter egg hunts were taken directly to members’ homes by socially distanced “eggings” of their yards. Easter lilies were delivered to senior adults. Women’s ministry game nights were done via Zoom. Pastors masked up and made home visits standing outside. Pastors and volunteers did whatever they needed to do to stay connected with the people entrusted to their care.

Of course, congregants had to pivot as well. Elderly people who had previously eschewed technology began attending virtual church and Zoom meetings with family. Children’s ministry volunteers created packets for parents to do Sunday school at home with their children.

In other words, everyone had to make major adjustments on how ministry was accomplished. However, all of these adjustments were made with the belief that they were temporary. And yet, here we are over one year later, and large numbers of people have still not returned to church.

I understand that there are people who are highly vulnerable or afraid to resume in-person church. I get it. The problem is that many of the people who say they haven’t returned to church because of coronavirus concerns have returned everywhere else. They go to stores, schools, ball games, conferences, restaurants, and work, but they have not returned to church. They visit family and friends, but not worship services, small group, or Bible study. The inconsistencies are glaring, and I cannot help but wonder why.

I’m not trying to beat up or judge anyone here. I honestly cannot figure out what’s going on. I will admit that there is something enticing about sitting at home all cozy on the couch wearing yoga pants and a hoodie while watching online church services on a flat screen. I’m in! Throw in the flickering ambiance of a scented candle and I am really in. There are some solid pros to virtual church. Here are a few:

1. I don’t have to get showered, do my makeup and hair, or get my kids dressed and out the door on time. I also don’t have to make the drive to church. I can literally roll out of bed 30 seconds before church starts, and I’m there on time.
2. I can watch church comfortably. After all, what pew or chair can compete with a Lazy Boy and sweatpants?
3. I can really concentrate on what the pastor is saying without all the distractions of crying babies, talking children, and people with small bladders.
4. I can multitask, baby! I can fold laundry, cook lunch, order my groceries online, and do my taxes all while watching church. It’s called being a good steward of my time.

Do you see a common thread? The common thread I see in those reasons is comfort and convenience. But is that really what church is all about? Doesn’t that make ME and MY desires the center of it all? Church is about coming together as a body of believers to give proper praise and worship to the one true God. There is something supernatural about corporate worship. God does something when His children are together that He doesn’t do when they are separate. It isn’t about emotion; it’s about impact. We really are better together.

We know Hebrews 10:25, but do we really know Hebrews 10:25? Let’s back up one verse and read verses 24 and 25. They say:

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

It seems that when Hebrews was written, some people had stopped meeting together as the church did in the book of Acts, and it had become a bad habit. (By the way, according to Acts 2:46, the church met daily!) These verses tell us that when we forsake assembling together, we miss out on encouraging others and being encouraged. And who doesn’t need some encouragement these days? Almost all of the reasons why we love virtual church are basically selfish. None of those reasons take into consideration serving others. They are completely focused on how we want to be served.

Over a year ago, we stayed home from church to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Remember how the goal was to flatten the curve?) As things progressed, recommendations changed and most people followed them to the best of their ability. At some point, however, we have to decide whether or not we are going to obey God’s words in Hebrews 10:25. He said not to forsake assembling with other believers especially as the return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws near. When God inspired those words, do you think He didn’t realize that a pandemic would hit the world in 2020? Of course He knew that! People have employed masks and social distancing in stores, schools, and everywhere else. What makes church inherently more “dangerous” than those places?

Not only does virtual church not give you that important fellowship of believers that Hebrews and Acts talk about, but it also doesn’t give you the opportunity to participate in serving the body of Christ. Your church needs you. Your church family needs you. Babies need to be rocked and changed. Children need to be taught that Jesus loves them. Students need people to listen to their hearts and guide them with biblical wisdom. Couples need godly teaching on marriage. And on and on and on.

I mentioned above that children need to be taught that Jesus loves them. That makes me wonder what children are doing while their parents attend church in the comfort of their recliners and pajamas. Are they playing in their rooms? Are they plugged into electronics? Or are they sleeping late since there’s nothing to get up for? I am fully aware that you can teach your children a Bible lesson at home. (After all, many of you got a home packet from your child’s Sunday school teacher.) You can even make an awesome craft. But do you? I can’t help but wonder.

I have always said that I believe that technology is for such a time as this to draw as many people into the kingdom as possible in these last days. I still believe that. But I also believe that it has become a crutch for some and a reason to stay home instead of love and serve the body of Christ. (PLEASE know that I understand there are those who are seriously vulnerable to getting sick, and the virus could possibly be a death sentence to you. I’m not talking to you. Unless you have gone everywhere else except church. In that case, I am talking to you.)

I am sure that there are many reasons that people love watching church online. However, there are some really important reasons to make virtual church the exception rather than the rule. I hope you will talk to God about your current method of attending church, and ask Him for wisdom rather than simply defaulting to online services because it has become acceptable and accessible. Consider attending in-person church so that you can be encouraged but, more importantly, so that you can encourage others!

(With the exception of John Cooper’s book, the links provided below are Amazon Affiliate links. I receive a small percentage from items purchased through my links. This goes toward helping me maintain my website and offer online Bible studies and many other resources free of charge. Thank you for helping me do that!)

Tactics by Gregory Koukl – Something I have been wanting to get better at is talking to people intelligently, compassionately, intentionally, and boldly about my faith. If you want to grow in this area, too, then this is the book for you!

Another Gospel by Alisa Childers –  There is a growing movement within churches called “progressive Christianity” that is neither progressive nor Christian. Trust me when I say that you need to educate yourself about this unbiblical movement so that you can spot it if it rears its head in your own church and so that you can speak knowledgeably about it with others. This book has been on my list for quite awhile, and this summer I am finally going to read it. You should, too.

Awake and Alive to Truth by John L. Cooper – John Cooper is the lead singer of Christian rock band Skillet. Over a year ago, one of his facebook post’s went viral and put him in the spotlight for more than just his music. He had a lot to say about many so-called Christian leaders walking away from the faith. As a result, he has written a book that I cannot wait to get my hands on. I have listened to several interviews John has done, and he is articulate, funny, humble, and most importantly, biblical. Whether you are into Christian rock or not, you really should read John’s book. 

Evidence not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose – Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Christian biographies. In a real sense, I have been discipled by great Christians of the faith through reading about their lives. This is one of my all-time favorites. I have read it at least 3 times, and I plan to read it again this summer. I’d love for you to join me!

I am hoping to read a few others as well, but I am trying to set a realistic goal. Let me know what you’ll be reading this summer!

We all knew that it was going to be bad. If you read the initial report, the allegations that were confirmed at that point were absolutely horrible. The investigators warned in that initial report that even more serious allegations had been uncovered. So, yes, we were bracing ourselves for it, but seeing all of it written in black and white is simply horrifying.

I am writing this post to give you an update. In this post I shared my heartbreak over the news contained in that December email and initial report. I feel obligated to let you know that the final report has been made. You can read the response from the board of RZIM here and access the final investigation report here.

I am utterly at a loss for words. The magnitude and scope of Ravi’s behavior spans decades and continents. The term “sexual misconduct” seems woefully deficient to describe the depth of depravity he was engaged in consistently for many years. He was an adulterer, a sexual predator, and a rapist. He has shattered just as many lives as he has helped.

Besides the facts of Ravi’s behavior, one of the most disappointing things in the report is the response of the Executrix of Ravi’s estate to requests to make modifications to the non-disclosure agreement which one of his victims was forced into. Here is that interaction from the investigative report:

“Because both the notebook and the devices could contain evidence related to this
investigation, we asked the Executrix of Mr. Zacharias’s estate, through her counsel, to cooperate
with the investigation by authorizing Mr. Zacharias’s former counsel to give us access to their file.
The Executrix declined this request. We also asked both the Executrix and the Thompsons, through
their respective counsel, to agree to modify the NDA to allow us to speak to the Thompsons and
otherwise investigate this matter. The Thompsons would agree to speak with us only if they were
fully released from the confidentiality obligations in the settlement agreement. The Executrix
declined to release the confidentiality obligations in whole or in part for any reason.”

If that Executrix is a member of Ravi’s family, then the refusal is doubly repugnant. Now is not the time to cling to some kind of misplaced responsibility to Ravi’s privacy or wishes. Now is the time for transparency. Total, complete, thorough transparency.

In spite of the devastating facts of this entire situation, I want to say two things. First, I want to say that these women did not deserve this. They did not ask for it or want it. Ravi Zacharias was a predator. And every predator has prey. I am reminded of nature documentaries where you see herds of wildebeests innocently drinking from a watering hole on the African savanna oblivious to the many crocodiles quietly sitting beneath the surface of the water. After silently stalking prey for days, a crocodile will suddenly lunge out of the water and grab a startled but slow wildebeest. Make no mistake – Ravi stalked his prey. Read how each woman said that he lured her with kindness and understanding at the same time probing for information on past abuse as well as financial needs. He would meet their financial needs (with ministry funds) and then make them feel that they were indebted to him. He required payment through sexual abuse. It is appalling on every level, but none of it was their fault. As I said in my previous post, he used his position as a highly respected minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ to victimize women.

The second thing I want to say is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is still true. Ravi Zacharias has failed us, but Jesus has not and never will! I know that there are many lessons that we can glean from this situation, but something that keeps coming to my mind is, “This is how bad sin is. THIS is why God sent His only Son to die on the cross. THIS is why we need a Savior!” Because apart from Christ, every person can commit abominable acts.

By the way, at this point I cannot help but question the authenticity of Ravi’s salvation. I just cannot get around 1 John 3:4-6: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” But that is between God and Ravi. Only they know where eternity began for him. However, based on Scripture and considering Ravi’s lack of repentance all the way to the end, there isn’t much comfort for those he left behind.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the saving power of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Keep our eyes firmly on you and not on men. Heal the hearts and minds of those abused by Ravi, including his family and especially his wife. Heal and encourage those betrayed and disillusioned by him. Remind us of Your faithfulness and goodness. Thank you for being a loving and patient Father and Friend who will never, ever fail us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Have any of us ever been more shocked, devastated, or broken over a fallen leader than over the uncovered sexual misconduct of the late Ravi Zacharias?

If you are not familiar with the allegations against Ravi, you can read the allegations in this article from Christianity Today (CT). In September 2020, CT published an article outlining serious allegations of sexual misconduct by Ravi toward several workers in a day spa that he co-owned. The first I heard of these allegations was on December 23, 2020, when I received an email from RZIM explaining that their board had initiated an investigation into the allegations made in the CT article. Their original intention was not to make a statement until the investigation was complete. However, because of the seriousness of the findings at that point, they felt it necessary to issue a statement to their supporters, and they released an interim report from the lead investigator. That report can be found here.

I cannot tell you how shocking it is. Thus far, the investigators have found that the allegations purported in the CT article are true. Not only that, they have uncovered what they call “more serious” conduct. If you have read the allegations, you will be hard pressed to think of any allegations more serious than the ones already made.

I posted on my Facebook page my shock and devastation but also my anger about the situation. I’ll admit that I am angry. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry but do not sin.” I have asked the Lord to help me keep my anger righteous and not fleshly. I am angry because Ravi Zacharias has brought shame to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and betrayed his wife, his colleagues, his students, his ministry supporters, and his victims. He wrote 30+ books on various ministry topics (including one ironically titled Sense and Sensuality), and his ministry has a presence in 17 countries on 5 continents. He has literally preached around the world. As it turns out, he wasn’t exactly practicing what he preached. When you read the statements of the victims, you see that he actually used his position as a highly-respected, world-renowned apologist to groom them to overlook his advances, blame themselves, and accept his abuse. He was a sexual predator who used the precious gospel of Jesus Christ to victimize innocent women. If that does not make you angry, then what in the world does?

In my post, I never called Ravi any derogatory names. I never questioned his salvation or eternal destiny. Yet I was told I was being judgmental, unbiblical, and unchristian. Yes, I called him a fraud. I was actually echoing the words of Carson Weitnauer, Innovation and Ministry Partner Specialist at RZIM and personal friend of Ravi, in his online post “A Catastrophic Betrayal” which can be read here. Ravi Zacharias was by definition a fraud. He claimed to be one thing but was another thing altogether and deceived multitudes in the process. The Bible is clear that teachers of the Word of God will be held to a stricter judgment than others.

In Ravi’s message “The Problem with Pleasure,” he says, “Unlimited pleasure leads to unlimited regret.” I  believe that is true whether a person is a Christian or not. However, a Christian should feel more than just regret over sin. A Christian should feel the unrelenting conviction of the Holy Spirit. One of the women he abused said that he called it “therapy” and said he needed it because of the huge responsibility that had been placed on him. Did you hear that? He was using the gift that God gave him and the ministry entrusted to him as an excuse to sexually abuse women and violate his covenant of marriage. We know the story. We know how grooming victims works. We have heard it all too often. But instead of names like Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein or wealthy playboy Jeffery Epstein, it is Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. It is almost too difficult to believe. And that is exactly why it was so hard for his victims to speak out. Each victim, including Lori Anne Thompson who brought a sexting allegation against him in 2017, had confided past abuse to Ravi. They were seeking godly wisdom, compassion, and healing, and instead received more abuse.

I have seen some people compare Ravi’s sin to the sin of King David in the Bible. Scripture records that David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and she became pregnant with his child. In an attempt to hide his sin and make Uriah, her soldier husband, believe the child was his, David had him sent home from battle. But Uriah refused to go home and be with his wife in solidarity with his brother soldiers who were unable to come home and be with their own wives. When that plan was foiled by Uriah’s integrity, David had him moved up to the front lines of battle in the hopes he would be killed. And he was. So, yes, King David committed adultery and murder. Yet he is called in Scripture “a man after God’s own heart.” How can this be? The thing that made David a man after God’s own heart was not that he was without sin. It was that when confronted with his sin, he fell down on his face before God in abject humility and repentance. David’s sin was public, and his repentance was, too. Read Psalm 51 to see how he responded when the prophet Nathan exposed his sin with Bathsheba. David wrote:

“Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.”

In 2017 when Ravi was confronted with sexting allegations by Lori Anne Thompson, he could have fallen on his face in repentance before the Lord like King David did. He could have confessed and repented and asked for forgiveness. He could have tried to make reparations of some kind to his victims. Instead, he lied and denied and actually countersued Ms. Thompson and forced her into a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Ask any lawyer who represents victims or any advocate for victims’ rights – people with nothing to hide don’t insist on NDA’s. Ms. Thompson has repeatedly asked to be released from the NDA but RZIM, led by Ravi’s family members, refuses. [Update: I have since learned that the ministry of RZIM does not have the power to release the NDA. That agreement was a personal legal agreement entered into by Ravi Zacharias. Only the Executrix of his will has the power to release all parties from it. She has refused.] She has nothing to hide, but, apparently, they do. RZIM apologist Dr. Max Baker-Hytch wrote a passionate letter to RZIM urging them, among other things, to make “meaningful reparations” to Ravi’s victims. He also expresses concern over what he calls “shifting narratives” and “withholding of troubling pieces of information” over the sexting case involving Ms. Thompson. Dr. Baker-Hytch’s letter can be found here.

When Ms. Thompson brought the allegations against Ravi in 2017, he had already abused the women at the spa for five long years. One of the women said that when the story broke, she knew that Ms. Thompson was telling the truth because Ravi had done to her the exact same things he had done to Ms. Thompson. None of the women at the spa ever spoke to each other or anyone else about what Ravi had done to them.

One of the reasons I want to speak firmly against Ravi’s actions is because of the millions of non-Christians who are watching this play out. I want them to know that we are willing to call out sin no matter who has done it. We don’t circle the wagons and protect our own when they are wrong. We acknowledge the sin. We condemn the actions. We empathize with the victims and support them for their courage. We show grace and compassion to all. Unfortunately, Ravi did not allow us to demonstrate grace and compassion to him while he was alive.

A friend of my mother’s suddenly fell ill right before Christmas this year and was told she had about 4 days to live. She was a retired nurse, a loving mother and grandmother, and a godly Christian woman. Do you know what she did in her last couple of days? She used her flagging strength to call her loved ones to not only reaffirm her love for them but to ask their forgiveness if she had ever hurt or wronged them in any way. I have had cancer which caused me to contemplate death more than once. Do you know what I did? I thought about the same things my mom’s friend thought about. I wanted to be in right relationship not only with God but also with my fellow man. I didn’t want to stand before the Lord with unconfessed sin in my life.

I have to wonder if Ravi did not do this as he lay on his death bed. I certainly do not claim to know what was in his heart, but I believe we can say that he was not convicted of his sin enough to make any final public statement to the world or a private one to his victims. He died the same way he lived – hiding his sin. Surely he knew the truth of Numbers 32:23b: “You may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Ravi thought he could hide his sin in his grave, but he couldn’t.

Another thing I hear is how much “good” that Ravi did. All I can say is, tell that to the women he preyed upon. There is no doubt that he had a brilliant mind and many were brought to Christ through his ministry. But did Ravi do those good things or did God? God uses us, but He doesn’t need us. If we disobey, He will raise up someone else to accomplish His will. Sometimes He even uses the ungodly to perform His will. How much more can God use a heart completely surrendered to Him? One thing is sure: you cannot be wholly devoted to God and to your secret sin at the same time.

Is there grace and compassion from God for Ravi? Absolutely. From me? Of course. I think, however, that to jump immediately to expressing those does two things: (1) it leaves out the necessary and healthy steps of grieving, one of which is anger, and (2) it can come across as dismissive to victims of sexual abuse.

The truth is Ravi betrayed us all. We admired, respected, and trusted him. None of those things equate with idolatry. It is not wrong to honor godly men and women. Giving honor and giving worship are two different things. To casually toss aside our hurt and anger over his betrayal of our trust and his victimization of innocent women is callous and unwise.

No matter how you feel about Ravi or me and my opinions, can we all agree in prayer on behalf of Ravi’s victims, his close friends and colleagues who have been deeply cut by this, and the leaders of RZIM and his family who have some major decisions to make regarding the future of RZIM? I will meet you at the throne of grace.

Black Friday will look quite different in 2020 than in years past. I think that is a good thing that has come out of this trying year. Perhaps we have all learned to appreciate the simple things in life a little more. Hopefully, we have learned to invest more in the eternal than the temporal.

So, here is my list of gifts to help those on your list celebrate what this season is truly all about – that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)!

(Here are my favorite things lists from 2018 and 2019 if you’re interested!)

1. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary 2 Volume Set (OT and NT) is one of the best Bible commentaries I have found. Warren Wiersbe is scholarly but doesn’t require a PhD in theology to understand. He is practical, biblical, and has become indispensible to my studies. Any student of God’s Word on your list will love this set. (I also love Wiersbe’s “Be Series” with a volume for every book of the Bible.)
2. I love these beautiful Scripture Cards! They are lovely and affordable. What’s better than that?
3. Another Gospel by Alisa Childers is a must read. I cannot stress enough the importance of this book to Christians today. Another gospel is being spread in the church, and it is unbiblical and heretical. Christians need to know how to combat it. Through extensive research and her own personal story of almost being taken in by it, Alisa will arm you with the facts you need. When you order, just go ahead and buy two of these books – one to give to someone else and one to read yourself!
4. Nothing, and I mean nothing, says Christmas like a German Christmas Pyramid. We bought one on a cold, snowy day at a Christmas festival in Munich 15 years ago, and it is one of my favorite decorations to bring out every year. This one depicts the nativity underneath an Alpine-inspired roof and shingles. It is a beautiful piece to add to anyone’s Christmas decor but is special enough to display all year.
5. I love a good advent calendar, and this Names of Jesus Advent Calendar is gorgeous. It comes with everything you need to share the names of Jesus with your family every day leading up to Christmas. And it creates a lovely display as you go. This one is a keeper. Well, it’s a giver, too! (This Names of Jesus Advent Ornament Book is a good one, too.)
6. For the kids on your list, I just discovered these Transparent Glitter Stacking Crayons. I am in love! Every child I know is getting these, including my children’s church class. (Shhh! Don’t tell them!) They would be fun to use when teaching kids how to mark key words when doing inductive Bible study. My children’s church kids absolutely love the hidden picture activities I print out from Answers in Genesis, and these stacking crayons will be a fun way to mark them. Or you could get these Hidden Picture Books from Highlights. Those with the stacking crayons together would make a great low-tech gift!
7. I have discovered pillow covers on Amazon. Have you? Well, you’re about to. They are gorgeous, high quality, and so affordable. These Scripture pillow covers are so pretty and are available in 11 different verses. (Please note, these are the covers only. You’ll have to get your own insert which you can find here.)
8. These beautiful highlighters are a great gift for just about anyone on your list. They are called “mild liners” because of the soft colors. They don’t scream at you from the page like the ubiquitous flourescent ones.
9. You know I cannot make a list of Christmas gift suggestions without adding my favorite Bible to it. As always, the New Inductive Study Bible (NASB) is what I recommend. It is like having 66 Bible study workbooks in one volume. (It is also available in ESV.) At the beginning of each book, there are instructions on how to do an overview of that book. At the end of each chapter is an At a Glance chart that, once filled out, becomes a valuable reference tool. It’s the only Bible I recommend. If you’d like a free class on how to study your Bible, listen here.
10. Finally, these next gifts are probably the best and most meaningful gifts you could give anyone in the year 2020. So many people around the world are suffering terribly from the collateral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLEASE consider giving a generous donation to one (or more!) of these worthy organizations: Operation Christmas Child gives a shoebox packed full of gifts to children in need all around the world. In 2019, 10.5 million children in over 100 countries received a shoebox. Hope and Help International has adapted most of their outreach actitivies to COVID-19 relief providing food, clothing, medicine, masks, and encouragement to those suffering the most in South Asia. One of my favorite ministries is Open Doors USA. They are not only responding to the desperate needs around the world due to the pandemic, but they are also equipping the church to face the next crisis. A gift to any one of these ministries could be the best thing you do this year.

I hope that gives you some ideas and inspiration for your holiday shopping. Don’t just give a gift. Give a gift that will have an impact on the life of the recipient long after December 25. Merry Christmas!

Haggai

Zephaniah

Habakkuk

Micah

Amos

Hosea

Practically speaking, the American dream is the belief that we not only have the right to but we deserve a nice home filled with nice things, a good stable job with a generous income, yearly family vacations to Disney World, new cars, a retirement plan, etc. As Americans, we believe that our Constitution grants us all of these things. However, as Christians, we need to realize that our citizenship is not of this world (Philippians 3:20). As the old hymn says, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passin’ through!” The American Dream has no biblical foundation and is fundamentally opposed to the great commission. It has made us complacent regarding eternal matters and oblivious to the needs of the body of Christ as a whole.

According to Open Doors USA, these are some things that happened to Christians around the world in 2019:

• Over 260 million Christians live in places where they experience high levels of persecution
• 2,983 Christians killed for their faith
• 9,488 churches and other Christian buildings attacked.
• 3,711 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned

In their book The Privilege of Persecution, Dr. Carl Moeller and David Hegg explain the dichotomy of reality between American Christians and those Christians suffering for their faith. Our ways of thinking are so radically different that it is difficult for us to understand their lives. And it is just as difficult for them to understand ours. The authors say, “[Persecuted Christians] pray for things [American Christians] probably wouldn’t think to pray for, and never pray for many of the things we do…It can be difficult for someone who has been fully immersed in the culture of the persecuted church to relate to Western believers who think it’s a really tough day when their daughter doesn’t make the cheerleading squad.”

Shallowness pervades our congregations. But the simple truth is that to whom much is given, much is required. God has given us political, spiritual, and material blessings and freedoms so that we can encourage and strengthen through prayer and advocacy those Christians who have no freedoms and no resources.

First Corinthians chapter 12 compares the church, the body of Christ, to a physical body, with each member having a different function. Verse 26 says that if one member suffers, then all the members suffer with it. Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember the prisoners as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated since you yourselves are also in the body.” As Christians with religious freedom, we have the awesome privilege and responsibility of supporting and standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who share our faith but not our freedom.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused an increase in persecution of Christians in places such as India. In many villages Christians are in danger of dying from starvation because local aid distribution bypasses them because of their faith.

I have seen a lot of lamenting from American Christians over disappointed hopes – cancelled graduation ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, and vacations. And, yes, those disappointments are real and shouldn’t be discounted. However, not one person I know has been worried about starving to death. On the contrary, most of us have our own COVID-19 crisis going on – as in gaining 19 pounds because of being home with all the snacks!

So what can we do? We can mourn our disappointments without getting stuck there. We can pray for those who are suffering not only the effects of the pandemic but are suffering an extra measure because of their faith in Jesus Christ. We can put our money where our prayers are and give to organizations sending aid to our brothers and sisters such as Open Doors and Hope and Help International. We can find ways to serve Him in new and creative ways. We can use our time wisely and not wastefully. Ultimately, we can let go of our dreams and expectations, and ask God to make our dreams the same as His dreams for us.

The American Dream is selfish and empty because it focuses on temporal things. God’s dream for us – also known as His will for our lives – focuses on others and on things that count for eternity. Which dream do you want?