Because Jesus came, I can never be truly alone. Because Jesus came, I am free from this world and free in this world. Because Jesus came, I can know the only God – now in faith, one day in fullness. Because Jesus came, I will not live in shame, fear or guilt. Because Jesus came, I know that my own …
Where Patience (His, Not Yours) Takes You
Today, it would serve us well to slow down a bit, catch our breath from the weekend, and think upon the patience of God. We look at a world blanketed in unbelief, pulsing with immorality, boiling with outrage, and ringing with the noise of foolishness, so it is easy for us to acknowledge that God is very patient…with them, all …
May God Happily Invade
Today is the gathering day when the children of God put good, but lesser, things aside so that they may enjoy the best of things offered to them. To gather with brothers and sisters in the place where Father dwells in that unique presence is our delight. We come happy to sing and to serve. Some may come weeping but …
Sunday Prayer For Elevated Vision
Heavenly Father, it is Sunday and so many of your people will join with one another in the name of Your Son all over this planet today. Thank You for the Church – the Body of Christ. Thank You for the gracious privilege of belonging to a people who will endure forever. You have promised that this world will be …
The Rhythm Of Joy
Greetings from East Africa! I’m writing you early Tuesday morning as the sun is about to reveal the towering rock known as Kilimanjaro which stands like a giant watchman over the city where we are staying. Only three days into the work here, my senses have been overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells of Tanzania – what an amazing …
Revealing Speech
Scripture reveals that Heaven has a perfect record keeping system. Many times in both Old & New Testaments there is an assertion of an ultimate audit of the books of our lives wherein we will be evaluated concerning the value of our years here below. God is shown to keep a record of our prayers, our tears, our words, the …
Switching Gears
Yesterday’s post was long enough for a couple of day’s worth of words so I’m switching gears today and just reminding us of something a little less crontroversial among believers. For the first 8-10 years of my Christian journey I never slowed down to soak in God’s handiwork in nature. I always thought that was for those who are wired …
I Hope Your Life Is Too Big For You
“Let Your work be shown to your servants, and Your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” – Psalm 90:16-17 {ESV} This Psalm is a good one for a new year. The Psalmist is reflective …
Things Are Way Too Big For You
I thought on the end of time this morning. Yes, I know, a rather impractical and lofty topic for such pragmatic people like we. Nonetheless, I allowed my mind to drift past political debates, crumbling economies and conflicts between raging armies. I zoomed past the bloated calendar of have-to’s on my smartphone, the leadership meetings begging preparation, baseball playoffs desiring …
Remembering Not To Forget
Ever-patient Amy has an unofficial title in our home which greatly benefits Alicia, Landon and me. Amy is the Semiomnisicent One. When we reverently approach her we chant, “Have you seen the…Have you seen the…Have you seen the…” For me it is usually a quest for my keys, wallet or the television remote. For Alicia it is whatever she …
Untouchable
Wait…hope…rest…trust…pour out your heart. Now this is great advice for every Monday. Hear it: Wait… hope… rest… trust… pour out your heart. One of the beautiful things about the bible is that it fully discloses the frailties that define the human experience. Not one of us has felt strong and capable for all of his or her days. At best, …
Unsuspected Goodness
When I converse with those who are not followers of Christ I usually note one thing among others that seems to stand out. Whether or not they are educated or uneducated, moral or unrestrained, American born or from another country, there seems to be a common thread that is woven in the fabric of their minds. What is it? They …
A Rare Find
How many people do you know who live with open, childlike wonder at the greatness of God? It would seem that these are severe days for many; lock-jawed with grinding teeth, they seem to be satisfied with surviving another day with a sense of joy equal to that of a man who has removed a splinter from his palm rather …