Jonathan L. Shirk

As parents, we devote calendar space, gas, mileage, money, texts, camera clicks, social media posts, late nights, and much attention to what we value and prioritize for our kids. We sacrifice much for

My parents gave me some fantastic gifts through the years including stuffed animals, a mini basketball hoop, cold cans of soda after pitch and putt golf, and a Yamaha MX175 dirt bike. They

Every human life has value and meaning, from the fetus in the womb to the unresponsive senior citizen in hospice. Why? Because God is Creator of all human life. At least that’s

If you’ve ever been to a wedding or party with a champagne tower, it was probably an elegant and expensive affair. You were probably wearing a nice dress or suit. Maybe Versace.

Years ago, I took my oldest son, Jeremiah, to Baltimore for a father-son trip. It was a special and memorable time together that included sharks, black light mini golf, arcades, jogging, junk food,

Years ago, when I was working for Cintas Corporation in the Pittsburgh area, I had an interesting conversation with a coworker. We talked about spiritual things, and if my memory serves me right,

There are times in our lives when we feel we are hanging on by a thread. We don't feel confident. We don't feel assured. We don't feel

Bad theology undermines our comfort, assurance, peace, and joy in Christ. Bad theology leads to dark places. Wrong thinking and wrongdoing alike can destroy our lives or at least diminish our intimacy with

Mothers are a gift from God that we ought to receive and remember with much gratitude. Mothers sacrifice much for their children, and though everyone should be grateful for their mother, godly mothers

At the end of the appointment, the doctor said, “Well, Sophia, I recommend you go on isotretinoin. It’s potent, but it will clear up your severe acne.” Sophia was startled. She turned

They called him the “King of Cool,” and it was a fitting title. He had the look. Bright blue eyes. Tough-guy persona. Style. His image communicated confidence. He had a troubled childhood and

I saw a comic by Randy Glasbergen of two businesspeople conferring in an office, and the managerial-looking man holding a pen and paper says to the businesswoman, “We need to form a conflict-resolution

“I hate you.” Just like that, I said it. My mother quickly and firmly addressed it. I can’t think of another time after that that I told my sister I hated her.

Many things just aren’t made like they used to be. Many manufacturers have cheapened products by substandard design and quality control. Several years ago, we purchased a tiny remote control car for

Kristina and I own a house together on a plot of land in the small town of Manheim. We also have four children who live in the house with us. Our house and

The world is confused about many things, not the least of which is marriage and sexuality. Why? The world does not know or submit to God. Romans 8:7 says, “For the mind

Thankfulness is central to your Christian life. When you received Christ by grace alone through faith alone, the Holy Spirit was also given to you to produce the fruit of thankfulness in you

Are you confident that you are saved, that you have received God’s grace in Christ, and that you will forever enjoy God’s presence in heaven? Christians sometimes wrestle with the assurance

Several years ago, I coached my daughter’s middle school girls basketball team. I loved the challenge. They were true beginners, but they worked hard and improved. They were learning the rules, fundamentals,

All the demands in life can sometimes pull us away from our family. So, it is right and good to reevaluate our priorities and to focus on the family. Even more importantly, though,

People in the United States are not always well-disposed toward those who hold orthodox and historic Christian beliefs. Christians in 2025, when they seek to follow Jesus honestly, sincerely, consistently, coherently, and faithfully,

In the first century, the Pharisees took God’s good gift of the Sabbath and added to it so many ridiculous rules and regulations that it was no longer a blessing for God’

We wake up in the morning and perhaps lay in bed for a while. We get out of bed. We start our day. It is likely that most of us seldom contemplate our

We vote for presidents, but we also vote for local government officials. It may be tempting to focus entirely on one position, the president, while ignoring key politicians that you can have a

I assume you want to live a happy life. I also assume that when you are taking your last breaths, you want to have a deep sense of joy, peace, and comfort in