Columns

Does God really expect me to do what He asks?

December 01, 2008

I think about the dad who had something to give his young son and asked him to hold out his hand. "Why?" asked the little boy with his hands firmly clasped behind his back. The father repeated his request, but the son kept asking "why"—and missed out on the treat his dad wanted to give him.

The Bible says in James 1:17 (NIV) "Every good and perfect gift is from...the Father." But we sometimes worry that He might ask something of us that we are not going to like.

Ask PJ

November 01, 2008

Question: Does God even notice me?

You know it's easy for teenagers to feel like no one notices them. In addition, many feel they go unnoticed by God.

Well, guess what? You're not alone—many of us wonder if God is oblivious to our situation.

Ask PJ Does How I Look Reveal Who I Am?

October 01, 2008

There is always more to a person than the clothes they put on, the makeup they might wear or the attitude they carry.

When Israel was in need of a new king, God sent Samuel on a mission to Jesse's house. You can read about it in 1 Samuel 16. He looked at all of Jesse's sons in the house and saw some he thought would make fine kings. However, God said to him, "...the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Ask PJ

September 01, 2008

QUESTION: How Can I Avoid Temptation?

That question plagues each of us every single day. The Lord's Prayer comes to mind where Jesus says, "Lead me not into temptation" (Matt. 6:13). The simple everyday answer to this question is to follow Jesus and allow Him to lead our lives.

Ask PJ

August 01, 2008 / P.J. Deming

QUESTION: Do you think it's necessary to attend church to keep the Sabbath?

Ask PJ

July 01, 2008

QUESTION: Do I have a responsibility to tell a family member or friend if they are doing something wrong?

Wow, what a question. This is a tough one.

Two stories come to mind. The first is in Genesis 4 of Cain who had done something wrong. God asked him, "Where is your brother?" Cain responded, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain wanted to avoid responsibility with family.

If I ask for forgiveness, am I forgiven?

June 01, 2008

If I ask for forgiveness, am I forgiven?

I believe the devil uses two tools to trip us in the journey of forgiveness: failure and guilt. If he can either make us believe that God can't forgive our mistakes or continue to bring our failures to mind then he can keep his hold on us.

God wants us to enjoy the freedom that His sacrifice has brought to you and me. He wants us to experience the privilege of being free from our sins.

Do you always practice what you preach?

May 01, 2008 / P.J. Deming

The thing I love about teenagers is you get right to the point. You leave no wiggle room to hedge or fudge!

So here's my answer: "No, absolutely not." You see, I preach "Be kind to one another," and yet I get frustrated with my wonderful children and lovely wife. I preach "We are all God's children," and I have a hard time liking some of His kids. I preach "We all have fallen short of the glory of God," and yet sometimes I have a hard time seeing my own mistakes and want to blame someone else.

What would you do, that you can't do, because you are a pastor?

March 01, 2008

Question: What would you do that you can't do because you are a pastor?

What would you do that you can't do because you are a pastor?

Let me take the liberty of broadening that a bit: Is there something I would want to do but I can't do because I am a Christian?

This applies to all of us, and it implies as Christians we might be missing something fun or exciting.

"Does God Like Me?" If you have a question for P. J. you may e-mail him at the address below and he will give it his best shot.

February 01, 2008

First of all, before we get to the question—let me say what a privilege and humble honor to be back in partnership with the GLEANER and have the opportunity to connect with youth from around the Northwest.

"Does God like me?" You know this is a question I have been plagued with during my years. I think most of us think so and if we looked deep enough inside, we would know it as well. He sent His only Son for us so I guess that does mean He likes us.

You are here