The chocolate filling
My friend and I stood at the pastry stall, debating our choices. “I’d really like to get the chocolate croissant, but only if it has the chocolate filling!” “I think it d... »
Personal Accounts
How can we know we are saved?
When my youngest son was 14 years old, he joined a Christian youth group and Bible study in preparation for baptism. At the end of the class, the pastor asked the student... »
The hope of heaven in times of pain
When I received the email saying my brother John had died suddenly of a heart attack, I was shocked and devastated. John was just 50—too young to leave this earth, I thou... »
The search for Mary Magdalene
For centuries, we’ve heard dozens of varying stories and interpretations of Mary Magdalene (also called Mary of Magdala), one of the leading female figures in the New Tes... »
We’re keeping the dent
Recently a young woman who is a friend of my daughter backed up into my car, leaving a dent and some scratches. She offered to pay for the damages, so we got a quote. It... »
Overcoming the phantom zone
Nowadays, I can't help but notice when watching movies that the lines between good and evil have become increasingly blurred. Decades ago, most movies illustrated values,... »
Algebra and prayer
For the last few weeks, I have felt like God has kept saying no. It seems like my prayers just aren’t good enough. I’m not seeing results, or if I am seeing results, they... »
The cornerstone of faith
Nurturing a deep personal relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. We can cultivate habits that keep us connected to Jesus, allowing His presenc... »
Jesus and Jim
The story is told of a certain minister who was disturbed to see a shabbily dressed old man go into his church at noon every day and come out again after a few minutes. W... »
No barriers
I often have friends ask me to pray for them in matters pertaining to their personal lives. One friend even stops me in the street whenever he sees me and asks me to pray... »
It’s not odd, it’s God!
My friend Michael has a favorite saying for when God does something inexplicable in answer to prayer: It’s not odd, it’s God. For some months, Michael and a few others of... »
Let the water do the work
When I was young, my mom would ask me to help with the household chores. Sometimes I was reluctant, my focus still on my unfinished tower of blocks. But I would try to pu... »