Over the years, I've met so many people who have walked away from God or become angry with him because "he took my mother (or dad) from me. Why would a good God, a loving God do that?" So a few years ago I decided to prepare our grandchildren for the day of my death. Each of them, roughly 15 years old or over have gotten "the talk." They've now heard straight from me in this life, what death means for true Christians. Here's the gist of what I've told them. Someday you're going to get a call...

Nearly all of us have been approached by a friend, family member or a member of our church for "a loan." Sometimes their need is obvious, worthy and we are able to respond with real joy because generosity to the poor is so highly valued by God. However, there are times when we are asked for help and almost immediately our guard is up. How do we know when it's wise to help someone, or when helping actually hurts and enables the person we are being asked to assist? Let's start with Jesus'...

Even atheists know the Golden Rule. "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31. Good parents have taught their children to obey the Golden Rule, from the time they could talk. And whenever someone mentions the Golden Rule, we nod in affirmation and say, "That's the only way to live!" And when we were children the application of the Golden Rule was pretty straightforward. Share your toys Let the other person have their turn on the swing Don't hit your sister That hurt her...