Instruments of God’s Love
When we put our faith into practice, we move from being nominal believers to being instruments of God’s love. A pharmacist friend of mine named Jamal told me about one of... »
Personal Accounts
Finding peace instead of fear
I was trapped in an elevator! I had entered the elevator and was headed up when it stopped between the second and third floors. When I saw what had happened, I said a pra... »
But if not
There were once three men who were officials in the court of a very powerful king. These men were well respected and considered to be wise among their peers. One day, the... »
I can do all things through Christ
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and... »
Using God’s Word to combat worry
Every time I read the news these days it seems like I find a new reason to worry. Wars, crime, air pollution, diseases, chemicals in the water and food, and the list goes... »
Trees in the desert
Coming from the lush tropical greenery of the rain forest where I once lived in Uganda, Africa, I was overwhelmed by the contrast of the rocky terrain of the Middle East.... »
The traveling professor
I was listening to a podcast when this quote stood out to me: “Pain is a traveling professor. Pain knocks and the wise say: ‘Come in—sit with me. Teach me what I must kno... »
Balance is not the right word for it
I read an article from a life coach about the myth of a “balanced life.” He was saying that the expectation that we are able to juggle exactly the right amount of sleep,... »
Forgiveness
“If my brother offends me, how many times shall I forgive him?” someone once asked Jesus, before offering a hopeful guess. “Seven times?” “No, seventy times seven!” was J... »
Striving for peace
I visited a friend who asked for advice about a problem he was having. A former colleague had moved on and started his own business in direct competition. He had taken so... »
Light in the darkness
It was the end of 1974. I was 18 and had made the trip overland from London to India with a few friends via the so-called “hippie trail.” We traveled through Istanbul, Te... »
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... »
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... »