Let Your Light Shine
In John 8:12 Jesus made the astounding claim, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers that they were to be the light of the world, reflecting his love and grace to a world that desperately needs to hear His message of love and forgiveness . . .
Grace upon Grace
On Christmas morning my wife and I visited my father who lives in an assisted living facility. We watched several Christmas carols on Youtube and then listened to a recording of a meaningful sermon preached by Sam Lindamood on Christmas Day 1977. Sam was the pastor at Piedmont Community Church, a non-denominational church where my parents were members. In this sermon, Sam reflects on the profound words from John 1:16, “And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” . . .
Brand New Day
Do you ever wonder why God in His wisdom divided up time into blocks of days, weeks, months, seasons, and years? Does the repetitive cadence of these divisions give you comfort? Does it ever make you feel like you have been given a fresh start? Do the daily sunrise and sunset, or the seasonal seedtime and harvest, lead you to give thanks to the Creator for His faithfulness? . . .
Resolving to Love Calvin and Hobbes
Three years ago I came across an essay on Calvin and Hobbes that speaks profoundly to both the Law and the Gospel. For those not familiar with Bill Watterson’s comic strip, which ran for only ten years from 1985-1995, it magically explores the life between a young boy and his imaginary tiger . . .
Song of the Stars
This breathtakingly beautiful children’s story imagines all of creation recognizing that the time had finally come for the fulfillment of prophecy, which foretold that at just the right time God would enter the world as a baby in Bethlehem. The story begins, “The world was about to change forever”. And it has . . .
John Henry Faulk’s Christmas Story
This post includes another moving Christmas story recorded in 1974 by the gifted radio broadcaster and storyteller, John Henry Faulk, for the program Voices in the Wind . . .
A Christmas Memory
Many years ago during one Advent season, I discovered an old book in my parent’s home titled “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote. I often searched my parents’ book shelves as my mother was an avid collector of old books. To her every one was a treasure. This particular book was a thin, plain, cheaply made book, published in 1956 with the picture above glued to the book cover . . .
The Tale of Barrington Bunny
Nearly 50 years ago I discovered a book in my parent’s home titled “The Way of the Wolf” written by Martin Bell, an author, musician, and Episcopal priest. This book, published in 1970, includes the Christmas classic, “Barrington Bunny”, which I first read to a high school youth group when I was in college. Several decades later, when my granddaughters were older . . .
The Tender Mercy of God
In preparation for Advent, we turn to the first chapter of Luke’s gospel account and encounter the wonderful story of the priest, Zechariah. and his wife Elizabeth, both who were well along in years and had no children for Elizabeth was barren. One day while serving in the temple Zechariah encountered the angel, Gabriel, who promises his wife will bear him a son . . .
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 . . .