When we’re going through difficult circumstances, we often want to be removed from those circumstances. And we want to be removed NOW! Or we want the circumstances to be over NOW! But God might have other plans for those difficult circumstances. In fact, when God called someone to an assignment throughout the Old Testament—an … [Read more...]
God’s Presence is a Present
It’s an unlikely moment from a power-hungry pagan king, a moment that gives us great insight into the very nature of God and into long-asked questions about suffering. We’re all familiar with the story in the book of Daniel of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—the “three Hebrew children”—as they’ve come to be known. … [Read more...]
5 Booster Shots to Keep the Resurrection Fresh
Oookay. The chocolate bunnies are eaten (or melted). The Peeps are put away for next year. (Does anyone actually eat them?) Eggs are found. Baskets are rummaged through. The overflow seats for the sanctuary are dollied away. Now can we focus on the Resurrection? Easter hype is fine. Good actually. But … [Read more...]
Are You Able to Pray for Hillary or Donald?
Political rhetoric is always charged and every year seems to establish a new high-water mark for personal destruction. This year’s mark has been set by the use of a phrase we don’t hear much in Presidential elections: Unfit to be President. And it’s being lobbed from both sides. This is a good indicator … [Read more...]
How To Be Like Christ
A few years after Jesus’ ministry on earth, the apostle Paul helped a handful of people plant a church in a city called Philippi. Ten years later, Paul wrote a letter to strengthen this growing church. This letter became the book of Philippians in our Bibles. Tucked inside this encouraging book is one of the greatest challenges … [Read more...]
The New Kid in Town
Two questions: Have you ever been the new student at school? When was the last time your class (or team, or youth group) received a new student? There are not too many things more unnerving than that first day of school in a new school system. Everyone around you has their circles of friends; you don’t know … [Read more...]