Gaining a heart of wisdom
This morning, the fall colors called me outside for a walk, and, as usual, I ended up in the garden—even though the only living things that remain are the zinnias and the dahlias. I'm cheering the dahlias on in their race against the frost. The buds are there, but having planted them in a spot… Continue reading Fall Gardening in Maine and Other Extreme Acts of Faith
"Every story that ends in service for Christ started in grace."1 The words were inscribed in my journal with no attribution, but I had been studying Romans 1:7: To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." "Grace and peace" always… Continue reading Grace and Peace in an Election Year?
Fear is a powerful motivator. Even the reluctant student might memorize lists of data for fear of failing a class. Motorists maintain a more conservative driving speed in areas where police regularly patrol. Unfortunately, there is also the fear that paralyzes and leads to irrational decisions and self-protective behaviors. On the other hand, fear of God… Continue reading Go Into the Heart of Danger and Leave Fear Behind
The calendar and the brisk morning air have agreed that summer is over and autumn has arrived. It was time for me to get on the same page and decorate for fall. Understand that this is not a huge production here in this minimalist's life, but I do like a few sunflowers, a few pumpkins,… Continue reading Overcome Frustration with Gratitude and Action
“My son, do not forget my law,But let your heart keep my commands;For length of days and long lifeAnd peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1, 2) Obedience from the heart is the first evidence of belonging. We don’t remember God’s laws and keep his commandments in order to become God’s children. We obey… Continue reading How Do I Show My Love for God?
"Let's move on," wrote Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian church. "Let's go on to visions and revelations of the Lord." And he revealed, probably for the first time ever, an out-of-the-body experience in which he was "caught up to the third heaven." Did it happen when he was pelted with stones and left… Continue reading When You Don’t Want the Gift You’ve Been Given
Have you ever spent time dreaming about the perfect church? We've all heard the old saying that even if you are fortunate enough to find the perfect church, you will surely ruin it when you join. (Did you know this came originally from Spurgeon?) Of course, all this insight doesn’t stop us from fantasizing about… Continue reading What Does It Really Mean to Be “Saved”?
Standing on one foot, I counted seconds and looked out the kitchen window. A downy woodpecker paused in drilling for his breakfast, almost as if he sensed my gaze, and the leaves around him glistened with the morning's heavy dew. My mind-numbing morning exercise routine has made me an avid observer of the world outside… Continue reading Your Extraordinary Life is the Life You Have Been Given
The last rays of sunshine slant their filtered light through the trees, while dragonflies and toddlers chase each other on a summer evening. A backyard circle of lawn chairs holds the body of Christ, gathered around Truth that transcends seasons. Before we break out the watermelon and set the fire pit ablaze, our pastor rises… Continue reading The Earth Overflows with the Gift of God’s Goodness
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1) John begins his story about the life of Jesus on this planet by revealing to his readers what it had taken him nearly three long years to absorb:Jesus, the man who… Continue reading Begin with Awe and Genuine Worship will Follow
Living Our Days 