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 [...]
Youthful Presumptions, June 2010
Youthful Presumptions In 1964 Bob Dylan wrote a song called “My Back Pages.” His humorous look at the presumptions of those who haven’t lived long enough to know that life is more often gray than black and white is brilliantly insightful. He ends each stanza of the song with the statement: “Ah, but I was [...]
Sleep Stealers, May 2010
Sleep Stealers It’s funny how things change. When I was young and had small children at home, I would run myself ragged all day and fall into bed half dead when night rolled around. Falling to sleep was never a problem. At that time in my life, I always felt like I didn’t get enough [...]
Bruised Reeds, April 2010
Bruised Reeds Spring is a delightful time, no matter how early or late it comes. Sitting on our back deck in the mornings, I can watch a whole new world opening up around me as shrubs and flowers burst forth with dazzling colors and delightful fragrances. Another joy of springtime is the return of the [...]
The Glory of the Cross, March 2010
The Glory of the Cross The cross of Calvary is a profound mystery, even for Christians. It’s hard for us to decide how to respond to it since we’re both repelled by and drawn to it. Its ability to transform anyone—even the world’s vilest sinner—places it in a category all by itself. Nothing the world [...]
Love in Action, Feb. 2010
Love in Action “Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams.” FYODOR DOSTOEVSKI This is the month when everyone’s mind turns to love and romance. I’ve never been convinced that Valentine’s Day would be as popular as it is without the exchange of chocolate, though. Isn’t it amazing how [...]
Mining Hidden Treasure, January 2010
Mining Hidden Treasure I love the Bible. I love it not only for the truth it contains that “shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8), but also because it reveals truth on an ongoing basis. We can read a passage or verse one time and receive something life-changing from it, then return days or years later [...]
Gifts of the Season, December 2009
Gifts of the Season One of the highlights of Christmas, in North America anyway, is shopping. It’s an excuse to hit the malls and see what bargains we can bring home, all the while feeling good about the progressive rise in our credit card balance because we’re doing it for others. We love to show [...]
Adventuring with God 