Some years ago, my family had the opportunity to visit an elderly woman who was the child of missionaries. She had grown up in an India that no longer exists—under British control, before partition, where she raised a black panther cub until it was bigger than she was and her mother made her give itContinue reading “Missionary Kids?”
Category Archives: Relevant
The Danger of a Hard Heart
The Bible warns about the danger of a hard heart. It warns that a heart can be so hardened that it becomes resistant even to the words of God. It warns that a hard heart is an impenitent heart and that an impenitent heart is a heart that falls under God’s just judgment. In thisContinue reading “The Danger of a Hard Heart”
I Was Raped and Got Pregnant
I received an email from a non-Christian woman who had been raped and got pregnant. She gave birth to a daughter. The emotional and physical struggles she went through were very difficult and were weighing on her heavily. She wanted to know, “Why did God allow this to happen?” Note: The content here is transferredContinue reading “I Was Raped and Got Pregnant”
Resilience
Resilience is a journey we learn and develop over our lifetime. A journey that’s difficult at times. For me, learning resilience has been a hard journey that’s involved lots of prayer. It’s been one of those things I think I’m getting better at then I’m hit by another challenge in life and reminded I’m stillContinue reading “Resilience”
The Easy Way
Jeremiah 10:1–11:23; Philemon 1:1–7; Proverbs 14:1–14 There is a certain amount of freedom in being foolish. Foolish people don’t stop to reflect on their actions. Characteristically unimaginative, foolish people don’t stop to consider how their words and actions affect others. The scary effect of foolishness is that it’s contagious: “Leave the presence of a foolishContinue reading “The Easy Way”
The Key to Your Rest
(Heb. 4:1–13)Have you ever noticed that when you read the Bible, you tend to imagine a tone of voice? Reading some passages, like Psalm 23, we imagine a warm, loving tone. Reading other passages we can almost hear disapproval or anger. Actually, the tone of voice we imagine is most helpful—or harmful—when it comes toContinue reading “The Key to Your Rest”
Grieve Not the Holy Spirit
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) ALL that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow to you through the Holy Spirit, so alsoContinue reading “Grieve Not the Holy Spirit”
Spiritual Discipline for the Day
In Luke’s version of the crucifixion story, we see an intriguing contrast in the way different people respond to Jesus’ death. On the one hand there are women, religious leaders, soldiers and criminals who mock Jesus and view his death as God’s curse.This comes through clearly in today’s reading. But, on the other hand, weContinue reading “Spiritual Discipline for the Day”
Addressing Idolatry in the Church
Nobody likes to be uncomfortable. How often do you avoid uneasy situations and conversations because they’re uncomfortable? How often do you spend money or sacrifice time to have more comforts in life? Or how often do you rely on innovative technology to help you do things quicker and easier so you can get back toContinue reading “Addressing Idolatry in the Church”
It’s Never Made Anyone Rich
From the looks of things, you’re pretty impressive. You’ve got a nice place. And I suppose your neighbors would agree that you’re a hard worker . . . climbing right on up that ladder toward success, right? . . . Your salary is good and your material possessions are growing in number, but . .Continue reading “It’s Never Made Anyone Rich”
Intentional Faith 