A silly remake of a 1951 sci-fi classic (Hollywood is surely running out of original ideas), The Day the Earth Stood Still circa 2008 stars Keanu Reeves as an alien whose task is to save planet earth from the human race that’s killing the environment, even if that means offing every man, woman, and child to prevent further ecosystem destruction. 

Every Christmas, Hollywood releases a couple of films that revolve around the dynamics of dysfunctional families and how they interact over the holidays. While there always seems to be one that rises to the top, with some genuine humor or a true Christian narrative, most of these Christmas films are usually formulaic retreads of previous stories released during previous Christmas seasons. While Four Christmases does have its humorous moments, it unfortunately falls right smack in the middle of all those other forgettable films from the ghosts of Christmas past.

“Luke” was a youth pastor at the largest and most influential church in his community. He had a huge budget, exciting programs, and tons of students who genuinely loved him.

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. Ride your bike to school. Take reusable bags to the grocery store. Recycle. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Shortly after Israel’s loud “amens” in response to Joshua’s public confession of his surrendered life and the admonishment to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:14-28), we arrive at the chilling reality of Judges 2:10: “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.”

Hello…my name is (your name here). I’m a youth pastor, and I’m unbalanced.

In ministry, unbalanced lives tend to be the norm more than the exception. It seems that ministry has a way of subtly drawing us into a life that, in the end, is more hurtful to us and to others than many of us would like to admit. 

If you ask me, living a balanced life is overrated.

Don’t get me wrong. Balance is something that we, in our 21st-century American culture, emphasize a lot. Yet I can’t help but wonder if we overemphasize the importance of balance in our lives.