Today, one of our toughest Christian challenges arises from the relentless pull of godlessness from all around. It's like a menacing tide, subtly trying to sweep us away from our trustful contentment in the Lord. I certainly sense it. And … Read more
One night, I found myself awake, obsessing over a troubling situation. When I realized what was going on in my mind, I told myself, "That is not where I live!" and I turned to Psalm 84. My Father's presence: that's where I'd rather be. … Read more
One morning, I bravely asked God to do something, anything, that would distinctly stir my heart. God answered my prayer later that day. It seems worth sharing: I was driving in the countryside, and my attention was captured by two horses. … Read more
"Just use your GPS!" my cousin advised after I had asked her for a city map. I needed a map to find a friend's house; but she didn't have one. I felt rather foolish after hearing her suggestion. How silly of me to resort to the … Read more
Christmas and shepherds go together! But I've discovered that focusing instead on Baby Jesus as the promised Shepherd brings a new level of meaning to Christmas. One of the little-quoted prophecies of God Himself coming as a shepherd is … Read more
What if this Christmas we specifically celebrated Baby Jesus as the promised Shepherd and made shepherds our season's theme? What would that be like for you? Here's what I imagine: I see a Christmas tree decorated with fluffy sheep, … Read more
Smell is a big deal in the animal kingdom. It's a big deal in God's kingdom, too. Scent marks our authenticity as Christians. What does this mean for you and me? I got thinking of that after hearing a chinchilla rancher explain how she … Read more
"It's that woman's fault!!" declared Adam. "'Tis not!" shouted Eve. "It's that serpent's fault!" "Mission accomplished," mused the serpent. You're familiar with this scenario in Genesis. Adam, to his horror, realizes that God is aware of … Read more
Dents happen. They happen to our freshly painted walls, our cars, our fine furniture, and other things that we cherish. At least, these are the dents that we notice: dents in the things that matter to us. This past summer, I painted some … Read more
Do you find the biblical account of Jonah and the fish hard to swallow? If so, you're not alone. Those who are shaped by western secularism naturally find it hard to swallow. In such an environment, God's people are tempted to avoid this … Read more