Jesus repeatedly warned his disciples about the leaven (yeast) of the Pharisees. He spells out in Luke 12:1 what He means: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” By their teachings and example the Pharisees encouraged others to do as they did – focus on outward religious works and [...]
Category: Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives
Traveling Light
Once again I am packing and unpacking, a process that frequent travelers know well. With the new demands by airlines for lighter and smaller bags, we now must choose carefully what we will need for our destination. “What can I do without? What is absolutely essential to take? What makes sense to buy there, and [...]
Death Be Not Proud
The Easter season is a time of contradictions and ironies. While we mourn, we also rejoice. While we consider the great price paid for sin on the cross and bow our heads in shame to realize our sin and rebellion nailed Him there, at the same time we are thankful for what was accomplished through [...]
His Story
I’ve always loved March. Down here in the South, we are treated to an early spring, so by the first of March we are already enjoying stunning profusions of white and pink cherry blossoms and bright yellow daffodils. Temperatures still fluctuate, but it’s not uncommon to experience balmy days in the mid-60s. If we open [...]
His Likeness
For parents and grandparents alike, welcoming new children into our family is truly delightful. One of the joys of new babies is discovering the family resemblances we’re sure we can spot right away. “Doesn’t her hair look just like aunt Rose?” “Look at that nose! It’s his dad’s for sure!” Each feature is even searched [...]
The Great Equalizer
When we focus on the many blessings of the Gospel, we seldom consider the one that Mary, the Lord’s mother, mentions in Luke 1. While visiting her cousin Elizabeth, before the birth of Jesus, Mary was moved by the Holy Spirit to joyfully declare: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God [...]
Possessing Our Souls
In Luke 21:19 (KJV), Jesus says to His disciples: “In your patience possess ye your souls.” In the NIV it is translated “By standing firm you will gain life.” I’ve often puzzled over this verse, wondering if I really understand what Jesus is getting at. Looking at the biblical context, we find this remark embedded [...]
Praying Heaven Down
The church in North America has gone through some discouraging years. While growth in spiritual conversions has taken place in a few congregations, the vast majority of churches have experienced stagnation, even decline in their numbers. It seems to be difficult to get people’s attention in the midst of so many distractions, and while some [...]
Lambs among Wolves
When Jesus appointed 72 representatives to go out two-by-two into all the villages where He would go later, He gave them logistical instructions about where to stay and what to take with them. He also told them what their work would consist of—they were to heal the sick and tell everyone that the kingdom of [...]
The Blues
Do you ever get “the blues”? I don’t mean the serious condition of clinical depression that some people are afflicted with. I’m talking about the garden variety of everyday blues … the feelings that come on you unbidden but are generally linked to some sad new developments in your life. When things are going great [...]
Adventuring with God 