Blog Archives

The Comfy Church

Jesus didn’t ask us to pray for unbelievers to come to us.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

GOD / CHURCH

Most small community churches have a core of about 75 to 150 people who show up, come rain, snow or shine, if the church doors are open. If it’s in the bulletin, they’re there. And some. These devoted, faithful and loyal church members see church membership on the same commitment level that some people see marriage: a covenant. They will turn the other cheek if offended, will forgive all, and will show up at every potluck dinner with their tried-and-true casserole. They love their church. God bless them.

1/30/2017

Comments

Kids

Even on the hardest day, they’re a blessing.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

LIFE / RELATIONSHIPS

The fact that my dad is number 11 of 13 kids still astounds me. I never met my grandmother. She died when I was a baby, in her early 60’s. My Catholic family is massive, with about 25 first cousins on that side of the family. I haven’t met them all. My grandmother left a legacy. I don’t know if 13 kids turned a lot of heads back then, but it just takes five kids to do so nowadays. Sometimes I can see the intrigued expressions of onlookers in restaurants. Big families just aren’t common anymore. My dad warned me.

1/26/2017

Comments

Honor, Not Shame or Blame

The church can be light in darkness for those with mental illness.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

GOD / CHURCH

Like many people, I know first-hand that 1 in 5 people experience mental illness in their lifetimes, and 1 in 25 live with serious mental illness. I have had helpful and encouraging conversations with people, but I’m sorry to say that few of them have been at church. As wonderful as the body of Christ can be, there seems to be discomfort with discussing mental health at church. In our age of information, knowledge and sophistication, stigmas within the church, regarding this common human experience, exist. For some people, mental illness is the biggest problem in their lives, yet the church hasn’t offered hope, help or support.

1/23/2017

Comments

Angel Armies: Releasing the Warriors of Heaven

Tim Sheets

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

CULTURE / BOOK REVIEWS

The kids had just left for school, and my cell phone, 12” or so from my head, rang. It was 6:50 a.m. I saw my son’s name and little head shot graphic on my blinding screen and answered, “Hello?” It was still dark, and we lived on a hilly, twisty road that caused me to answer such calls with a hint of worry in my voice.

1/14/2017

Comments

If You’re Discouraged, Read This

Improve your outlook by replacing these 6 toxic thoughts.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

LIFE / DAILY

If you’ve read the Bible, then you will know that it says that God is good. Psalm 118:1 says it right there; “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” If you believe that the Bible is true, than you can expect good things in your life. But many of us say we believe God’s Word, but have work to do regarding believing it, especially when we are stuggling or overwhelmed. In actuality, our default thoughts, when we are discouraged, may not be thoughts that are true. Here are 6 toxic thoughts that can be replaced by encouraging Scripture;

1/12/2017

Comments

Me, A Mentor?

God calls each of us to encourage younger believers.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

LIFE / RELATIONSHIPS

Those diner mornings were special, an hour or so a month, on a busy road in congested New Jersey. Debbie would always order oatmeal, then she would load up the steaming bowl with fresh blueberries that she pulled from her purse. I tore open tiny packets of sugar and peeled back foil off of mini containers of half-and-half and stirred strong diner coffee in my shallow, white, iconic diner coffee cup. The coffee was sweet and the conversation was rich as we chatted with the icy, black parking lot outside of the window to our right.

1/10/2017

Comments

10 Things You May Not Know About Paul

The Apostle Paul had what it took to spearhead The Church.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

GOD / CHURCH

The Apostle Paul’s humanity is highly evident throughout the New Testament. His actions and his teachings provoked, and still provoke, strong reactions from people. From his maximally dramatic conversion to Christianity in the book of Acts, and throughout his teachings, Paul’s love and devotion to Jesus is inspiring and convicting. His complex personality made him the man for the job of leading the laying of a firm and broad foundation for God’s Kingdom on earth. Here are 10 significant things about Paul;

1/7/2017

Comments

Effective Sacrifice

God cares much more about our hearts than our rituals.

BY JUDITH FOLKERTS

LIFE / DAILY

It’s an age of stuff. Even the less affluent among us seem to have iPhones and technical gadgets, and our homes are bursting with things to eat, look at and do. Sacrifice has become a remote idea to many of us, yet it’s a strong theme throughout Scripture. Jesus sacrificed His life so that we may have eternal life. Was His the final sacrifice, or does God call us to continue the ritual of sacrifice today?

1/6/2017

Comments

Categories

Archives