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The world is known for divisions: culture, education, socio-economic status, race, language, gender.  The early Church was marked by love—and oneness: All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their…

As the book of Exodus opens, the author drops his readers into a cauldron brewing with evil. The Israelites living in Egypt have been enslaved and Pharaoh has commanded his citizens to kill every Hebrew baby boy.  At stake is the life of Moses, the deliverer, and ultimately Christ, because if Israel is wiped out,…

We recently welcomed another grandbaby into the world. Though the baby is our second granddaughter, she’s the first child for our son and daughter-in-love. New parents have that deer-in-the-headlights look. After nine months of preparation, reality hits as this new little person looks up at Mom and Dad—completely dependent on them. Talk about overwhelming! All…

Increasingly, culture tries to convince us the genders should be fluid. Not only does culture de-emphasize the differences between the genders, but it also tells us they’re interchangeable. Let’s look at Scripture: God created two genders. Genesis 1:27 reads, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created…

At this point in the summer, I’m wilting. It’s just plain hot and fall seems oh, so far away. My skin wrinkles, my mouth feels like cotton, and my spirit is dehydrated too.  My daughter recently shared a word picture with me. Imagine the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit at a table with four…

I attended a writing workshop this summer where best-selling author Angela Hunt spoke. She used lots of movie examples in discussing the numerous items necessary for good fiction and she mentioned a movie with Ryan Gosling called Lars and the Real Girl. Just a heads up. Lars and the Real Girl will be one of the strangest…

Do you have a birthday verse? A friend turned me on to this idea as she explained the concept of a birthday verse.  First, take the number of the month and day of your birthday. For me, that’s three (March) and sixteen. Second, check the chapter and verse for each book of Scripture that corresponds…

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV Powerless. An apt description of the Israelites in exile. During the events in…

Maintenance leads to decline.  I’ve been a runner since my senior year of high school when the new tennis coach took conditioning to another level. Since then, I’ve run five marathons, numerous 5Ks, and a few half marathons.  Years have passed since my last marathon. I’ve been in maintenance mode. My times have slowed. My…

A name in a program. A bronze plaque by the door. A shout-out at the monthly meeting. Credit. It dangles like a carrot in front of us. The acknowledgment of good deeds, hard work, or generous donations. The pat on the back feels good. It speaks of approval, respect, and value. The question becomes, would…