(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 […]
For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go (Psalm 91:11) A well-known painting that hung in my childhood nursery belongs to one of my earliest memories. An angel guides two children across a ramshackle bridge spanning a turbulent river. As a child, I feared for the boy and girl who did not seem to notice the danger. […]
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 […]
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Reflect: I can never read Isaiah 9:6 without hearing Handel’s Messiah,” movement 12, in my head. “For Unto us a Child is Born” […]
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 […]
. . . but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. `(Hebrews 12:26b-27) Do you live with a sense that things are falling apart, unraveling? I tend to […]
Have you ever searched for something valuable only to find it later in the most surprising place? Something like that happened to archeologist Howard Carter and his team as they hunted for King Tut, the only pharaoh whose tomb had never been discovered in the Valley of the Kings. Carter was quite certain where to look and worked diligently for […]
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 […]
Listen: To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mark 12:33). Reflect: How do we put God first in all our affections, thoughts, and energy? Without the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible! God is the one who […]
We love because he first loved us (I John 4:19). Years ago I attended a women’s retreat where a Jewish wedding canopy (chuppah) was set up in one area. A bridal veil was provided, and we were invited to take communion as we felt ready. For me, it became a profound encounter with Jesus as I wept and worshiped him […]