A friend, a loved one, a church member has strayed off course, going their own way, neglecting or rejecting the good they’ve known. How can I help? What should I do? Every pastor, parent, and person will at some point be faced with this challenge. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve asked these questions…
Read moreTag: Jesus
The Biggest Little Word
The first Bible verse I recall memorizing was Romans 8:28. It wasn’t my doing. I was only 6 or 7 years old and attending a weeklong church conference with my family. A lady named Dorothy was in charge of the children’s ministry that week. We worked hard — with Dorothy’s unwavering patience and guidance —…
Read moreThe Rock and the Roller Coaster
I like roller coasters, but I like rocks better. Every now and then (admittedly less often as the years pass) I find myself getting on a roller coaster to be lifted and plunged, tossed and turned. It’s thrilling. Scary — but safe-scary. I am buckled in tight, riding on a short, predictable track, then the…
Read moreThe Olympics and Learning to Limp
Like many, I watched some of the Olympics on TV over the past two weeks. The training and talent of the young athletes were breathtaking. Their vigor and vitality, to say nothing of their amazing feats, made me want to put on my running shoes, or swimsuit, and get outside — get in shape! It…
Read moreThoughts on Thorns: The Problem of Pain
C. S. Lewis is one of the greatest Christian authors who ever lived. Many know his name connected to works like The Chronicles of Narnia. But maybe fewer people know that Lewis also wrote about pain, based on some of his personal losses in early childhood. Lewis begins his book The Problem of Pain with…
Read moreWhy Pick Second Best?
When it comes to eternal issues, put first things first. by Trey Graham Have you ever read about the gymnast who, after earning a gold medal, chose to accept the silver instead? Have you ever witnessed someone stating his or her preference to be named salutatorian instead of valedictorian? Do you know anyone who…
Read moreThe Regal Gospel
Royal treatment from the true King. by Roy Gee The gospel is a regal thing. Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God . . .” (Luke 4:43). Abraham Lincoln said that God must love common people because He made so many of them. The cynic says God must…
Read moreLamb of God?
The Messiah showed the power of paradox. by Gary B. Swanson By this time in his life, Abraham was used to obeying God without question. So when the command came in the night “Go to Moriah and sacrifice your son,” Abraham set out. For him it was just that simple. When he and his…
Read moreThe Christ of the Lonely
The nearness of Christ in the ache of emptiness. by Bob Hostetler For many people, holidays are a time of joy and nostalgia. But for others, holiday sights and sounds open painful wounds. The widow, with every greeting card she opens, is pierced anew with the pain of facing her first holiday season without…
Read moreLight Blindness
To see or not to see: It’s our choice. by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson My mother is going blind. What was once a tiny black hole in her vision grew until she could no longer see out of that eye. Now the same blackness has begun in her other eye. But she knows what…
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