Have you ever watched a movie or read a book that was so true-to-life that you forgot it was fiction? You find yourself relating it to another with an excitement that makes them wonder if it truly took place. The great authors and screenwriters are those who can mix just enough of truth into the … More The Masquerade of Evil
I had a lovely lunch today with two Millenials. I only identify them first as people of that generational label because it helps to give perspective to our conversation. I’m a Baby Boomer, you see, about to face a numerical milestone of my own in a few days, so having the honor to sit in … More Transition
I was going to sit down and read this afternoon, but the sun was actually shining and the warm weather drew me out into my small back yard. Since the first frost killed my roses budding on the vines, I have been wanting to prune. Today was my chance. I changed into my garden shoes, … More Pruning
Sometimes it take a new generation to clean house. Josiah became king of Judah at the age of eight. Even at a young age, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, staying true to God when so many before him had failed. When he was 26 years of age, he told … More Lost in the House of God
The older I get the more I understand the phrase, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The choice of following Christ is not to be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to believe in the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross and then live like it doesn’t matter; but in the … More We all need a little exhorting
You never know what’s going to happen when you pray. As many of you know, I love Muslims, have given most of my life in serving among Muslims, and spend a lot of time writing and talking about Muslims. All of this is with the goal of seeing them come to Christ and His Church … More The language doesn’t matter
I taught the children’s Sunday School class last week, and though I accepted the task with fear and trepidation, I must say I had a great time. It’s been a while since I’ve taught children, but this group of six were amazing. We were talking about the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, and … More The Importance of Touch
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) This verse has followed me around the world, and when I read it again this morning, I realized I have no reason to fret. Even … More He has plans
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
Read Deuteronomy 15:1-6 Have you ever had a loan and been in debt? I remember the first time I took a loan. I didn’t like the feeling, because the weight of carrying debt made me uncomfortable. I felt like I’d be paying it back forever. Debt is a huge problem in our world today, and … More The curse of debt
