Why I Write this Column Each Week

Do you realize that I have been writing this column every week since November 2004? I just talked with Bill Toops whose parents started the Glendale Star and Peoria Times. He shared with me that this article, The Church-Community Connection, is the longest running column in the history of these newspapers. That’s over seven hundred articles I have written for you. I think I need to see a counselor!

One of my purposes for writing this article each week is to equip people for real life, not just church life. I like to ‘put it God’s way but nicely.’ My hope in writing this article is to redefine God, Jesus, churches, and Christians in your eyes, giving you another perspective (and in my opinion a truer perspective) than what you are hearing and seeing in the mainline media.

The problem with media is that what is reported is mostly the exception, not the norm. For example, you may hear of a pastor taking money from his church or maybe getting into an affair. When we read this, it makes people think that all pastors and Christians do this. We never hear about the other ninety-nine percent who are living their lives in a godly and authentic way. I want you to hear about those people also.

I’m living in Christianity, not talking about Christianity. There’s a difference when you’re in the relationship, not talking about the relationship. My purpose is not to convert you. It’s to inform, inspire, equip, and empower you for a bigger, better, greater life by unpacking a biblical worldview in an understandable and applicable way. God’s not mad at you. God’s mad about you.

I hope you receive some 'Ahas' from time to time. And, I hope the Ahas turn into action on your part. Every word, saying, item, and the like in this article is based on Scripture and Christian values designed to upgrade your life. It’s not just feel-good stuff. It’s an upgrade when applied.

So, here’s some potent thoughts for you for the week and hopefully forever.

Like this one. I saw this saying on a cup in Flagstaff, Arizona a few weeks ago. ‘Kind people are my kinda people.’ The readers on my FaceBook page really resonated with that statement. The whole world could use this statement right now. Do you know where kindness starts? With each one of us, one person at a time, applying it. It doesn’t happen by legislation, it’s happens by revelation and transformation.

Here’s another ‘kind’ item for you. It’s called Ten Things that Require Zero Talent.


Put this on your mirror and read it every morning. Something on this list probably applies to all of us. Just think of the opportunities missed, potential not realized, relationships disintegrated, and promotions missed because someone wouldn’t apply something that required zero talent.

This next life lifter is from Warren Buffett. “You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.” That’s great advice. Let the dust settle, and your emotions settle, then decide. Just saying!

Let’s finish with this thought on grace by author Philip Yancey. Even if you are not a Christ follower, you should read it. It could change your life. “Jesus forgave a thief dangling on a cross, knowing the thief had converted out of plain fear. That thief would never study the Bible, never attend synagogue or church, and never make amends to those he had wronged. He simply said, ‘Jesus remember me,’ and Jesus promised, ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise.’ It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us.”

Those of you who are skeptics about Christianity, please remember this true statement from Philip Yancey. Religious activities will not get you into heaven. A relationship with Christ is what gets you into heaven. And that’s the truth.

Dr. Ed Delph  February 18, 2019   CCC

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