Throughout the Scripture we find places where the people of God built altars. Sometimes, these were directly connected to houses of worship, but often, they were places of remembrance. When individuals and communities experienced unique encounters with God, an altar would be set up to remember that experience and honor God in the future. Occasionally, people would erect standing stones, large stones placed in an […]
It’s nice to share. That is what I was taught when I was younger and what we taught our children when we became parents. Generosity is a virtue that is important to cultivate, but equally important to the need to give is understanding what we should be giving. When we share things that bless others, make them stronger and encourage them to experience all that […]
Change is never easy. It can be fun, even worthwhile, but there is always a period of adjustment. The most inspiring possibilities still fail to completely eclipse the twinge of grief we feel toward letting go of the familiar, and touch of fear for what is to come. From the simplest adjustment to the most profound transition, change makes an impact on each of us.At […]
No one wants to experience trials, but they may be of more value that we think. James, Peter and even Jesus spoke about trials and troubles, encouraging us to find joy in the midst of the struggles and to find strength in the knowledge that Christ has overcome the world. In each case, it is clear that trials are an expected part of life, but […]
Everyone wants to be wanted. We all want to know that we have value, that we belong and that our life makes a difference. Lacking that sense of belonging and worth can lead to all sorts of destructive behavior that wounds both the individual and the people surrounding them. Even if things do not go that far, people can be left with an emotional wound […]
“What can I do?” This is the classic question that arises when we face seasons and situations of great need. The recent effects of the hurricane on the east coast of the United States, have raised this question again for many of us. What can we do that will make a difference in the face of great devastation and suffering? It is not just hurricanes […]
“I know what I’m doing!” You’ve heard it said, maybe said it yourself, and whether it is spoken to a parent or a spouse; a teacher or a supervisor, the implication is always the same, “I don’t need you or your input.” Numerous times as a father I heard these words as I attempted to teach one of my children how to do something. Their […]
Sometimes, I think that the proper greeting during the passing of the peace should be, “Peace be with you. Now, try not to lose it.” Peace can be far easier to find than it is to keep. We know moments of peace, but we also know the moments that steal that peace away. The first part of John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to […]
“Don’t be afraid,” it is an easy thing to say, but how do you conquer the fear welling up inside you? What do you do when life brings circumstances that shake your world? Is there something you can do that is more than wishing you were not afraid? The answer is, undeniably, “Yes!” The first step to overcoming fear in our lives is to recognize […]
I want to thank all of my subscribers and readers for their patience. I could list a number of things that have consumed my time, but the deeper reality is that I have been wrestling with inspiration, not merely the inspiration to sit at the computer and write, but the inspiration to have something of substance to say. The past two weeks, I was forced to […]