Consider the Ravens
Jesus encouraged us to be keen observers of God’s creation when he invited his followers to “consider the ravens” and “consider the lilies”. Why? Because He knows we can learn about His Father from them. A.G. Siegrist speaks to this as follows: “The truth is that the Christian faith is all about transformation . . .
Too Good To Be True? A Paradox!
Have you ever received news that seemed too good to be true? If so, did it turn out to be true? This was the situation with the disciples the first evening after hearing reports of the resurrection of Jesus. When He suddenly appeared to them they struggled to believe He was alive. Scripture indicates “they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” . . .
The Song I Had To Give Away
I was six years old in 1961 when Peter, Paul and Mary formed as an American folk group in New York City. The trio quickly became a prominent voice in America during the turbulent 60’s and they continued singing together for over 4 decades. Songs such as “If I Had A Hammer”, “Day is Done”, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”, “Puff (The Magic Dragon)”, and “Blowing In The Wind” are some of their timeless classics . . .
Where Is God When It Hurts?
We learn very early in this life that pain and suffering are part and parcel of our experience here on earth. We can all name friends and family who are currently struggling through ill health, grief, addiction, depression, or death of a loved one. Perhaps some of us are struggling as well. What does God think about our suffering? Where is God when life hurts? . . .
The Meaning of the Sunset
What is it about the sunset that evokes in us a sense of awe and wonder? Is it the sheer beauty and tranquility of this moment? Is it a means of divine grace, washing away the troubles of the day, and blessing us with a sense of peace that transcends our understanding? . . .
From a Distance
Don’t we often find when we zoom out and see our troubles from a distance everything appears peaceful and harmonious, just like in the image above. Yet here on earth our lived experience is vastly different. Jesus, in fact, confirmed this would be the case when He told His disciples “In this world you will have trouble”, but then He adds, “But fear not. I have overcome the world.” . . .
How Old Were the Disciples?
Shortly after Jesus announced his public ministry he began to call His disciples. Have you ever really thought about the ages of these 12 disciples of Jesus? Based on depictions in movies and historical paintings we’ve been led to believe that the disciples were mostly older than Jesus, and we know Jesus was about age 30 (Luke 3:23) when he began his public ministry. Would it surprise you if the disciples were mostly teenagers? . . .
Today This Scripture Has Been Fulfilled
Immediately after the 40 day Showdown In The Desert with the devil, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and began his public ministry teaching in the synagogues. He then went to Nazareth where he had been brought up and on the Sabbath went to the synagogue. He took the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and after reading the text, He boldly announced “today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” . . .
Showdown in the Desert
In 2002 well known Christian author, Philip Yancey, published a book titled “The Jesus I Never Knew”. He explains the reason he wrote this book as follows:
“I am not writing a book about Jesus because he is a great man who changed history. I am drawn to Jesus, irresistibly, because he positioned himself as the dividing point of life — my life. According to Jesus, what I think about him and how I respond will determine my destiny for all eternity.” . . .
The Learning Curve of Gratitude
This I Believe is an organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. Over 125,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, have been heard on public radio and featured in weekly podcasts . . .
God As I Don’t Understand Him
A few days ago I came across an excerpt from a memoir written by Heather Kopp titled Sober Mercies. It struck me how easy it is to lose our way when we think we have God figured out . . .
Remembering Glenn
On September 14th I attended my 50th high school reunion. I had missed the 40th reunion so had not seen the vast majority of my 175 former classmates for 20 years. It was a poignant gathering for many of us, as perhaps it will be our last . . .
Is Your God Too Small?
In the introduction of J.B. Phillips book, Your God Is Too Small, Phillips writes: “If it is true that there is Someone in charge of the whole mystery of life and death, we can hardly expect to escape a sense of futility and frustration until we begin to see what He is like and what His purposes are.” . . .
The Present Presence of God
All of us experience worry, anxiety, and fear in this life. Jesus confirmed this would be the case but assures us that we don’t need to be crippled by these worries. In fact the day before his death He said to his disciples (John 16:33), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” . . .
All Creation Points To Him
In his letter to the Colossians Paul makes this astounding claim about Jesus Christ:
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him . . .
The Room in the Firehouse
Another moving essay by Brian Doyle about attending an AA meeting with a friend at a small town firehouse, one of thousands of rooms across America that host these meetings . . .
A Touch of Wonder
A few weeks ago after 14 days with Covid I finally tested negative. Although much like a flu I did experience a physical dullness that carried over to a spiritual lethargy. When I began to regain my sense of smell and taste, I rediscovered an old book published in 1974 titled “A Touch of Wonder” by Arthur Gordon . . .
Jesus and Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
It is easy for us to fall victim to illusions. Part of the reason is that we live in two worlds: the material-social world around us, and the invisible, spiritual world operating within and through the visible . . .
Our Brilliant Moments
Consider times in your life where you were blessed with a clearer vision of the Lord, moments that British pastor John Henry Jowett (1865-1923) calls "Our Brilliant Moments". . .
The Significance of the Temple Veil Being Torn in Two When Jesus Died
One of the remarkable events recorded in the gospels was that when Jesus died the thick Temple veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two . . .