Death is coming for us all. But be encouraged. God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation. Let us live ready to meet the Lord, with faith working in love.   Death reminds us what matters most. It jolts us out of our routines and shakes us awake from our lethargic slumber.... Continue Reading

We think we show our love for God by doing all the things. Well, if we love him, we do obey him. But we don’t show love for him by abusing ourselves in his service; we plan regular times of refreshment, of enjoying his presence and the beauty of where he has placed us in... Continue Reading

We often evaluate God’s faithfulness according to immediate circumstances. When prayers remain unanswered, suffering continues, or difficulties persist, we are tempted to conclude that God has forgotten his promises. The resurrection challenges that conclusion. The disciples believed Good Friday was the end of the story. Easter morning revealed that God’s providence had been accomplishing something... Continue Reading

There are at least three good reasons not to stay in my comfort zone:  God wants me to grow, mature and to be tested and made stronger. Going beyond my comfort zone will produce this.     My comfort zone may be the place where I am now, unless I’m presently being stretched. To stay... Continue Reading

That’s the question every follower of him answers every morning, in the face of every temptation, every conflict, every constricting pressure to compromise, with a resounding yes.  What’s your answer?  If at times this week the answer has been no, God is inviting us to examine ourselves this morning, to see Jesus again, to come... Continue Reading

We as a society now are thoroughly technological. Our increasing capacity to manipulate and even to seemingly remake nature is essential to our pursuit of self-glorifying autonomy. The capacity to act more efficiently, to modify ever-more around us, to produce greater with less work, these all plant an assumption of constant progress in our minds.... Continue Reading

God uses suffering to break us of self-dependence and bring us to rely on Him. He helps us learn that He alone can bear the full weight of our pain, and give us strength and life when we feel only weakness and death. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).  ... Continue Reading

I have worn eyeglasses since the 8th grade. I put them on as I rise from bed and take them off when I turn out the light at night. I set them “continually before me.” Everything is seen through those lenses, and therefore, everything is clear. The presence-centered man or woman does the same.  ... Continue Reading

We’re to be set apart, totally holy, totally different not in some areas but in every area of life.  Our lives are meant to be so inexplicably different, such a conundrum, to those around us that they can’t help but eventually ask us why?     How do we reach the world around us for... Continue Reading

The king gets off his throne and sits in dust. There is a decree issued for humans and animals to fast and cry out to God. The message of the Lord has had an impact on the city. And God relents.     “Can I have another go?” is an often-used phrase in our house... Continue Reading