Numbering our days enables us to commit to those tasks that are long term and may not produce immediate fruit. Numbering our days frees us to take appropriate self-care, and to take care of our bodies, minds and spirits. It demands that we take adequate rest in order to be able to endure in service. ... Continue Reading

As Jesus taught, forgiveness is “from your heart” (Matthew 18:35). Compulsory forgiveness is cold and false. Forgiveness might need some prodding from time to time, but, in the end, it should be voluntary and free.   During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1; cf. Acts 28:30–31), a household slave named Onesimus stole from his master Philemon... Continue Reading

When God’s grace is at work in your life, it’s not just “God’s favor,” as we often think. It is also his active power, explosive like dynamite. This power sustains us in every trial and equips us to enrich the lives of others as we employ our spiritual gifts. It brings joy in the face... Continue Reading

It’s easy to overlook ordinary, everyday displays of God’s glory.    There are certain prayers in Scripture that so perfectly capture the cry of one’s heart that they are worth repeating. I often pray “I believe, help my unbelief” because it perfectly communicates both my faith and lack thereof. One such prayer that has been... Continue Reading

The fear and trembling of the women at the tomb is par for the course. It is the ordinary reaction of those who encounter Jesus and see that he is not just a man, but that he possesses divine power and glory.    The ending of the gospel of Mark can be surprising – a... Continue Reading

Whatever ministry we may be involved in, whatever position we may hold, we are disciples of Jesus.  And he knows that we are sinful and broken people.  He knows that when he calls us.  He has a far greater work for us to do.  And he knows that he will need to do great work... Continue Reading

My anxiety over the problems in and around me is a heavy burden. It’s a burden that easily wears me out. But “the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.”   Psalm 121 reminds us that God does not “slumber or sleep.” Isaiah tells... Continue Reading

The impulse toward faith is God-given and good. But faith must find an object to rest on. The danger of our world’s false form of worshiping God through a nebulous spiritual connection is that, in the absence of a clearly defined object of faith, faith usually ends up resting back on the person himself.  ... Continue Reading

Let’s pray for Cuba. Let’s not stop, let’s not rest, let’s not give up. Let us shed all our prejudices and pray that God has mercy on the people of Cuba and that, in this side of eternity, although we know that with imperfections, we can enjoy a little peace and harmony.    I have... Continue Reading

Jesus’ model of evangelism, then, shows us that we must be willing to engage with the gospel those whom the world despises. But it also shows us that we are not called to merely spend time with flagrant sinners, nor should we engage with them in a way that condones their sinful lives or participates... Continue Reading