Are people with religious convictions the only ones who live by faith? Some say that’s a no-brainer. The answer is yes, and by the way, anyone with religious faith has no brains. That’s one answer. But the fact remains that every single person on the face of the earth...
Early in my Christian life, I heard a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. When my pastor reached “Hallowed be Your name,” he took a detour into another sermon series on the names of God. Not long after that, I completed Kay Arthur’s study, Lord, I Want to Know You. I...
Twelve years ago, I moved from New York City to a much smaller city in Florida. More of a small town, actually. I welcomed the fresh air, the slower pace, and the improved quality of life. But I also needed to make some adjustments… About a week after...
In 1967, the Beatles had a hit with their song, “All You Need is Love.” That song became a theme for the 60s and 70s. Love is all the world needed to solve its problems, or so the song claimed. About that time another refrain became popular: “God is love.” It’s one of...
There have been times in my life when I wished I had more peace. Ever felt that way…like you know God gives you peace, but sometimes you just don’t have enough? The problem with wishing for more peace is that it implies peace is a commodity – something we receive in...
Ghosts and witches. Jack-o’-lanterns and black cats. Scary masks and things that go bump in the night. Typical Halloween fare. So what’s so hallowed about Halloween? Hallowed is not a frequently used word these days. When something is hallowed, it is sacred or holy,...
A friend recently had successful cancer surgery. When she joyfully announced the results, the responses were positive and predictable: God is good! God truly answers prayer! God really loves you! God is an awesome God! We rejoiced in her prognosis because we...
Few things are as heartrending as a father who betrays the trust of his children. Stories about children who have been physically and sexually abused are tragic. When the abuser is the child’s own father or a father figure, the reports are even more appalling. Yet...
One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is “but God.” The phrase is peppered throughout Scripture. And it makes my...
What’s the point of praying for peace when your adversary is dead-set (no pun intended) on war? As the weeks of...
If there’s one thing in short supply these days, it’s hope. Politicians promise, but fail to deliver on their...