Author: Erick Neuman
Just days after the Texas Senate passed a measure requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom in the state, the ACLU and other civil liberties organizations announced they will sue the state to stop it from being enforced. The bill was sent to the desk of Governor Abbott, who’s expected to sign it into law, after the Republican-controlled legislature approved it Wednesday. GOP lawmakers worked over the holiday weekend to pass an amended version of the bill requiring the state to defend against any legal challenges, rather than the school districts. The bill, known as…
Al Robertson, the eldest son of the Robertson clan, is offering a heartfelt tribute to his father, Phil Robertson, who died May 25 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. In a statement shared with CBN News, Al Robertson — whose family rose to fame in 2012, when their hit reality show “Duck Dynasty” premiered on A&E — reflected on his father’s profound influence in his life. “Well, it has finally happened,” he wrote. “The man that raised me, trained and disciplined me, accepted me, loved me and partnered with me in sharing the Gospel of Jesus has left this life and crossed over…
I’m a small church pastor. That’s where my calling is. I belong in churches where I’ve been to everyone’s house and know their dog’s name. What about my teenaged kids? What’s in it for them? If you are a teenager, is there a small church blessing for you? I talked to my teens, did a little research, gave it some thought and prayer, and here’s what I came up with: four big benefits to “teening” in a small church (a phrase which my 14-year-old said was “corny, but fun”). If you’re a small churcher, chances are your youth group it…
Matt Papa and Matt Boswell were in the midst of solo music careers when they were paired up through their record labels. It was 10 years ago when this blind match was made, and they have been writing and composing with each other throughout the time since. But it was this first joint recording collaboration which earned Matt and Matt their first two Dove Award nominations – Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “His Mercy is More,” and Inspirational Album of the Year for His Mercy is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. I talked with…
2020 was supposed to be a year of promise and realized expectation, but things took a left turn with the advent of COVID-19. In the matter of a couple weeks students are left to finish the academic year from home, the labor force is scrambling to define essential versus non-essential employees and the cultural pillars of entertainment and sports have been replaced by daily government briefings on coronavirus and social distancing. Suddenly, we find ourselves with a little more at-home time than normal. This is the perfect time to take stock of our spiritual lives. The buzz phrase from the…
After the Winter Jam 2020 tour was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, Georgia-based Radiate music songwriter and vocalist JJ Weeks spent the time playing live stream events, and full-production events across the country at drive-in theaters, church parking lots and other outdoor centers while following all local pandemic guidelines. This Christmas season, he invites you to pause and focus on the redemptive power of the manger with his new song “Even in the Manger.” “When I was looking at the Christmas story this year, it kinda hit me differently,” reflects Weeks. “Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. That means He knew…
This is such a unique time in which we are living. No one could have foreseen this global COVID-19 pandemic, nor the ripple effect on economies and the daily life of people across the globe. The spread of the coronavirus and all of the related shutdowns have brought us to a stark dichotomy. While we are separating from the rest of the world through social distancing, we are spending constant time with our immediate families. In real time, many are experiencing the opposing truths of two well-known cultural proverbs, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and “Familiarity breeds contempt.” But…
Q: We have $30,000 in credit card debt and it seems it will take forever to get it paid off. Should I use money from my 401(k) to pay off that debt? I am 35 years old. A: I realize when you see that money sitting in your 401(k), that there is a temptation to tap into it so you can make that credit card debt disappear. I also realize that it seems to take forever to make progress on your credit cards, especially if all you are paying is the minimum payment. But using your 401k money to pay…
Annie’s Story Annie is a violinist and vocalist, wife and mother. Named after her great-grandmother, Annie Moses, she was born with a love of singing. Her parents are Bill and Robin Wolaver, award winning composers/songwriters/arrangers with 25 years of experience in the Christian music industry. At the inspiration of her mother, Annie began violin lessons the week before her fifth birthday. She excelled from a young age, winning many local, state, and national competitions. At the age of 13 she made her debut as a soloist with a professional orchestra. At 15, Annie was accepted as a scholarship student…
Seth Dahl’s passion for creating a thriving family culture fuels his ministry as a writer, public speaker, and children’s pastor. He and his family recently completed a move from California to Austin, Texas. Big city opportunities with small town values was just what Seth and his wife Lauren wanted for their kids. He describes the cross-country move as “a full operation,” which included three dogs, two horses, and a cow. They’re closer to cowboys and nature now. But the Dahls are also facing challenges along with parents and guardians around the world: working full-time, teaching at home, normal life stuff, and now…