When you think of persecuted Christians, does your mind go to countries across the ocean? It’s a natural reaction, and on most days, mine does as well. Today, however, persecution is in our backyard, not only because it was the topic of today’s sermon at my church, but a conversation I had afterwards with a … More What do we know of persecution?
If someone gave a report about you, what would they say? In his letter to the Galatians, Paul was talking about how the believers in Judea hadn’t yet seen him, but they were hearing about him. “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God … More What would they say?
Being born in the United States of America comes with specific privileges, and one of them is the honor, which comes every year on a date known around the world as the Fourth of July, to celebrate the day our country became free and independent. While many countries have such a date in their history, … More Freedom Days
We hear a lot in our world today about personal preference or choice. While it’s true that we do have the ability to make choices in this life, and even our churches teach free will, there are two things we can’t chose: age and death. Though many of us would love to control it, each … More Things we can’t avoid
Do you struggle with prayer? You are not alone. Yet, before I share my thoughts on what prayer is, it’s important to recognize what it is not. The word itself holds different meanings for different people, and I believe the prayer we’re taught and modeled by Christ himself, is unique from that of other religions. … More Does prayer matter?
How long has your church been around? Tonight my home church celebrated 175 years of presence in our community. That’s a long time, and though I no longer attend there, I wanted to be at tonight’s dinner, because not only am I a part of her history, but she is definitely a part of mine. … More Pillar and Ground
Have you ever tried to sit down and think about the people who have come into your life over the years? I think my brain would explode, if I actually tried. Even last night, at our church’s revival service, a woman came up to me and asked the question I always dread: “Do you remember … More Crossed paths for a purpose
When God called Abraham and made from him a great nation, he was dealing basically with one family. The Jewish nation prided itself on blood lines and genealogies. Even so, it did not keep brother from killing brother or kings from being overthrown. Fast forward to a new kind of family — the Church. Her … More Biting and Devouring
Do you ever feel like a fish out of water? It’s not a pretty sight. A gentle, graceful creature flapping and struggling against the hard earth. Some die on that shore, while others are suddenly saved by the incoming rush of water. For the human creature, floundering most often comes when you’ve just completed a … More Floundering
I got a phone call today, not from anyone close by, but from far across the ocean; even so, the voice was clear and sweet and, simply put…from God. This dear brother had been on my mind since last week, as I thought of him during the writers conference I attended in North Carolina. Yet … More When God speaks
