What was the last thing you asked God for? Health? Finances? A relationship? After all, one of the names God revealed for Himself in the Bible is Yahweh Jireh, our Provider, right? And let’s not forget what James wrote: “You do not have because you do not ask God”...
Shepherds in the Headlines – the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
One of the most significant roles described in the Bible is the role of shepherd. But it's one that can also be abused. Lately, our present-day news headlines have been filled with accounts of the worst possible abuse by 21st century pastor-shepherds. For years, many...
But God
One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is “but God.” The phrase is peppered throughout Scripture. And it makes my heart smile every time I come across one of those verses. They bring a vertical perspective to my horizontal circumstances. They remind me that my...
Praying for Peace When Others Pray for War
What’s the point of praying for peace when your adversary is dead-set (no pun intended) on war? As the weeks of December move us toward Christmas, many Christians recognize Advent themes that traditionally include hope, peace, joy, and love. Last week, I wrote about...
Two Types of Hope – Which One Is Yours?
If there’s one thing in short supply these days, it’s hope. Politicians promise, but fail to deliver on their promises. Family members make commitments, but disappoint us. Terrorists strike with seeming impunity. Jobs are scarce, money is tight, and the more we wish...
Did the Solar Eclipse Change You?
The 2017 solar eclipse is now history. The special glasses we sought in a frenzy have been cast aside. Life is back to normal once again. So, has anything really changed? For some, the waltz between the moon and the sun merely provided a diversion from the routine—a...
Watch the Lamb of God
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” John the Baptist exclaimed. Why would John say such a thing? The answer is found way back in the book of Exodus. After God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, He established Passover as a time for them...
A Peacekeeper or a Peacemaker?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could declare a day for all conflicts to be resolved? Well, someone came up with that idea and declared October 15 Conflict Resolution Day. Actually, true and perfect conflict resolution will come when Jesus Christ returns. Still, I don’t...
Not Just a Fish Tale
Ever been told a fish tale? You know, a story about “the one that got away.” With every telling of the story, the fish gets bigger and bigger. When it comes to the Bible, the book of Jonah is maligned as a “fish tale” by those who don’t believe the Bible. The biggest...
Royal Inheritance
It’s a letter we’d all like to receive. The envelope bears the return address of an unfamiliar law firm. With shaky hands, we tear open the envelope. Is it a lawsuit? A collection notice? No. It’s notification of a bequest from the estate of a long-lost relative. You...
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