If you receive EPM’s prayer updates by email, you know that earlier this year, Nanci was diagnosed with colon cancer. We’re both in good spirits, talking often of God’s grace and sovereignty and that we can fully trust Him in whatever is ahead. 

Recently I was filmed reading from Luke 2:1–21 for a video for our home church, Good Shepherd Community Church. I was joined by my wife Nanci and our Golden Retriever, Maggie (who as you’ll see, to our surprise, was very well behaved!).

I enjoyed speaking in Plano at First Baptist Prestonwood, a mega-church that is Bible-based and Jesus-centered. I thank God for Jack Graham and the other pastors and staff. And this was my first time at Church at the Cross in Grapevine, with my friend JR Vassar. I love that church, another body of believers bringing Jesus to their community. 

Most prolife films are short clips or movie length, and unfortunately, the short ones don’t allow viewers much time to experience the emotions or to ponder. This one, on the other hand, has a large amount of silence, allowing for contemplation. The fact that the air doesn’t get filled with words helps listeners draw their own conclusions based on the obvious facts.

I googled “define joy,” and the first result was this dictionary definition: “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” This definition harmonizes with other dictionaries and ordinary conversations, yet it contradicts countless Christian books and sermons. The church’s misguided distinction between joy and happiness has twisted the words.

One of my deepest concerns is to see men, young men in particular, who have become increasingly content with doing little in life, sometimes resulting in their wives becoming their caregiver and provider and, effectively, the sole parent of their children.

God’s character is not a menu where you choose the attributes you like and forget the other ones. To worship the true God of Scripture, we must see Him as all that He is, not just part of who He is.

“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This doesn’t mean we should give only when we’re feeling cheerful. The cheerfulness often comes during and after the act of obedience, not before it.

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!