Where do you find your heart this Christmas? When Simeon encountered the eight-day-old Jesus in the temple, he prophesied that “the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35). From the very beginning, the Christ child exposed a moral divide. Some believed right away, like Mary when Gabriel visited her. Others doubted, some felt threatened, some seemed to slip...
. . . give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Psalm 86:11b) I’ve always admired Joshua and Caleb who followed the Lord “wholeheartedly.” They maintained an unshakeable confidence in God even as all their peers gave way to fear. Because of their rebellion, the Israelite adults rescued out of Egypt never saw the promised land, but...
(Image via Facebook/Sarah Thomas Baldwin) Have you heard about the revival that recently broke out at Asbury University? It began spontaneously with students not wanting to leave chapel after a routine service. A young man confessed his sin, students began worshipping, singing, repenting at the altar. Day and night for two weeks! Marked by Gentleness As I listen to various...
As I review last year, I’m impressed by how often God responded to the “little” asks. Like providing improved weather for Portland family members to get here safely on Christmas Eve despite freezing rain the day before. Or sending a specially ordered gift to my doorstep, several days early no less, when Amazon notified a shipping delay! OTHER EXAMPLES Numerous...
Our world is full of the unusual, the whimsical and the surprising. Recall a time you’ve come across something that just skidded you to a halt. Recently I was blithely cruising down Coburg Road when I noticed a granny rocking chair, complete with ruffle and floral cushions, sitting on the sidewalk. This got me thinking about all the entertaining things...
I am still recovering from our youngest son’s wedding celebration last month. What a tangle of emotions in the midst of stress, smiles, tears, and joy! Upon reflection, I can’t help but also think about the greatest wedding yet to come—when we, the bride of Christ, finally celebrate our union with Jesus. So here are some wedding vignettes and spiritual...
The world has so many problems that if Moses came down from Mount Sinai today, the two tablets he’d carry would be Prozac and Xanax! Our world is crazy, isn’t it? Think of all the disasters we’ve witnessed—tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, overcrowded hospitals. Then there’s political and social upheaval, and economic uncertainties. So I just want to reassure you, if...
March is the month we celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Here’s to shamrocks, leprechauns and everything green! As a Christian, however, I prefer to remember St. Patrick himself, this great man of God known as the Apostle of Ireland. In the 5th century he converted the entire island to Christianity over a forty year period. As I was researching him, I...
I don’t want to presume God’s motives for allowing the coronavirus pandemic. However, if He’s thinking that his kids need to be put on timeout because of the way they’ve been behaving, well, who could blame Him? For one thing, our hell-driven stampede down the road of hate and divisiveness was going nowhere good. I do have to say that,...
Do not be afraid to ask, “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” Be direct. Be empathetic. Listen without judgment. Assess risk. Check in often. It shows you care. Do not be afraid to act if risk is high. Unsure what to do and need advice? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for input (1-800-273-8255). BASICS OF ASSESSING CRISIS The following questions...
It’s always a pick-me-up spending time with a friend.
Grab your favorite drink and settle into a comfy chair as we talk about . . .
What inspires us.
How we're growing in Christ.
And what it means to be a Christian today.
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