A question for me—and for you—as I celebrate a milestone birthday
Someone just asked me, “So what does it feel like to be75?” Since I’ve never been this old, I wasn’t really sure what to say. I’ll start with “I’m fulfilled, but not yet finished.”
These days I’m discovering—and embracing—a sometimes painful joy
Joy can be found if we look for it. This is as true for the accounting clerk forgotten in some corner cubicle as it is for the caregiver rising each morning to the same, sad routine.
The Preacher’s advice in a world like ours: Time for a deep breath?
The Preacher of Ecclesiastes knows something about the issues that arise when people get too worried about money. In our present economic condition, perhaps we all need the reminder that this ancient Preacher provides in Ecclesiastes 5:10-15.
Now and forever, pondering the full impact of mothers’ prayers
Only in eternity will we understand the full impact of prayers offered by all the mothers of the world. They may not be as poetic as Hannah’s, but every mother’s prayers stir the heart and compassion of God.
How everyday forgiveness can help us cope with everyday life
We tend to look at forgiveness as a Big Deal. But making it a daily practice frees us for a better way to live.
Has it been a week already? But some missed Easter altogether
There is a fairly new designation for people who are tired of church these days and it is called “the Dones.” Thomas might have been the first “done” of all time.
It’s been a very long journey to the highest mountain of them all
A journey of sickness, grief, faithfulness, and an astounding encounter with God himself.
If Jesus appeared on a donkey today, what would you want him to do?
He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. A donkey! What message does that send to us today? Do we understand his message any better than those who saw him that day?
Family resemblance—it should be natural with Christians and God
In what ways do you look like your sisters and brothers in Christ, and how do you emulate your Heavenly Father? The Bible tells us that God is love. Because he loved us, we should also love one another.
Why we need not despair when we’re faced with suffering. God is there
Everyone suffers, but the Christian has unique resources for dealing with suffering. In fact, the Bible even says we can rejoice in suffering.
‘Shalom’—the word describes a peace once destroyed, but possible again
My personal favorite Hebrew word is perfect to describe the world as God intended it to be, the world he will create for us someday.
What do you see? It may depend on what you’re learning to look for
We see what we’re looking for. Or, better stated, we see what we’re prepared to see. This is why some see God where others say he’s totally missing.
Persecution is happening in many places, but probably not to you
Christians in America may encounter pushback to their faith. But we have not experienced persecution like that known by millions worldwide.
Jesus challenges us to something far better than peacekeeping
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and making peace is something in short supply—not only on the world stage, but also in our personal and professional relationships.
In an unthinkable tragedy, we discover an unequaled blessing
The incident shocked the nation. But the greater significance was seen in the reaction of these Amish families toward the mother and father of the disturbed killer.
Hunger is a good thing, especially for life beyond the physical
Like most people I know, I eat and drink whatever I want, whenever I want. I have no idea about real hunger and thirst. So I’m working to understand what the fourth Beatitude should mean for me.
Being right is only a beginning: a reflection on the third Beatitude
For the purposes of this piece, let’s all agree you’re right. So how will you—how will any of us—use the strength received by being right?
What can Jesus possibly mean, to say we are blessed by mourning?
Although God does promise comfort for every bereaved believer coping with life’s devastating losses, Jesus seems to be addressing something different here.
Why it may be a problem that you hate the thought of being poor
How readily will we seek a state of spiritual poverty? Are we ready to stand before God and agree we really have nothing to offer him?
How to view your problem as something so much better than a problem
Was Zechariah being punished for doubting the angel, or was his problem—and is yours—something else altogether?