If You Really Want Peace
An accused murderer is reported to have said, “I’ve had enough of his hatred, ” so he killed him. Meanwhile, the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the nation declared that “we will absolutely target you, go after you” if you engage in what she thinks is hate speech. The editorial board of one of the […]
The Gentle Shepherd
Miles from the nearest town, a watchful shepherd, watches over his flock of grazing sheep. The animals, heads down in the grass, focus on eating. That’s their priority. Meanwhile, the gentle shepherd is alert to lurking dangers that could harm or even kill his sheep. That’s his job. The flock is his top priority. As […]
Of God and Birds
I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s care for his people. I get in a rush sometimes and forget just how important his care is to us. Nothing happens secretly. He knows our every care and struggle. That means volumes to me. As I write this morning I am sitting in our front room looking […]
The Sermon of Sermons
Jesus was beginning to preach and teach. He went to a nearby mountainside and his disciples began to flock after him. Rumors swirled around Jesus. Although he had not said so, many thought him to be the promised deliverer. At the very least, Jesus was a new and fresh Rabbi come to reach his followers. […]
Judging Others
A friend recently posted to Facebook that she was unhappy with some who suggest that gay church leaders are living right. Within about an hour someone rebuked her saying “…you have no right to decide what he does and does not see as ‘living correct’. You are in no place to judge.” As of this writing, […]
Jesus and Legion
The meeting between Jesus and Legion is fascinating. Jesus converses with the demon and then banishes him into a herd of pigs. The story is exciting and curious, and there are important lessons to be learned. The account is found in Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39. Jesus is preaching in Galilee and has […]
Blurry Vision
Many years ago a former boss was traveling to a football game in Mobile, Alabama. A decorated World War II veteran he suffered serious vision troubles because of his time in a prisoner of war camp. He was driving and chatting with a notable football coach who rode along with him. Suddenly, and without slowing […]
Baptism of Fire
Many people earnestly seek for the baptism of fire as part of the salvation process. They read the statement of John the baptist who said Jesus would come and baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). They trust that this baptism of fire is synonymous with the reception of the Holy Spirit mentioned […]
Through the Eye of a Needle
Camels are big – really big. Standing over 7 feet tall these interesting creatures inhabit the dry desert regions of the Middle East. They have been used in combat for millenia and were even used experimentally in the American Civil War. The camel has an ability to frighten horses and so they have proven useful […]
Through the Eye of a Needle
Camels are big – really big. Standing over 7 feet tall these interesting creatures inhabit the dry desert regions of the Middle East. They have been used in combat for millenia and were even used experimentally in the American Civil War. The camel has an ability to frighten horses and so they have proven useful […]
