One of keys to going deeper in our faith is a commitment to press into God. The concept of pressing in is often hard to fully understand and can sound like just another piece of Christian jargon. Once understood, however, it becomes a powerful tool in creating a robust Christian life. So, what exactly does it mean to press into God? Is it reading more […]
On the way to our region’s annual, denominational meeting, I was on the road for several hours. As I drove, I passed numerous cars, vans and trucks, and I saw a vast diversity of scenery. Passing by an area of wetlands set against a backdrop of dense forest, I began to think about all of the life hidden from my sight as I continued to […]
What we give our attention to during the day, often makes its way into our nights. Many of us likely remember a few scary dreams that came after watching a frightening movie, or waking up with a song we listened to playing in our heads. It is not uncommon for things we studied to surface in our minds as we try to sleep, and many […]
During my time as a student at Houghton College, there was a praise chorus that was very popular. Occasionally, I still hear it sung. The words were simple, yet very profound. After celebrating our unity as believers in Christ, the chorus declares, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” The words […]
“Who am I?” It was a simple question asked by the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, to which he answered, “I am one loved by Christ.” All of us wrestle with our identity and would that it were only though our teenage years of self discovery. Many of us are haunted by the question of who we are and what our place is in the world. […]
A poem written for my wife. Today we celebrate 26 years of sharing our married journey together. Her eyes still reflect the lightOf the candle we lit together.Her touch still speaksIt’s language of intimacy and love. The path we’ve sharedResembles the one we charted.While the destination first embraced,Is still our journey’s goal. Her love for me grows deeperAs does mine for her,As our hearts are […]
I remember the excitement I felt prior to my wedding. After several years of dating including a two year engagement, the day we waited for was about to arrive. Our wedding day was even postponed one year due to an unexpected illness, so as the time approached, we were both ready to celebrate. More than anything, I could not wait to make our new home where […]
“Hurry up!” “How fast can you get that done.” “Is there an abridged version?” Speed is the order of the day. We travel faster, read faster and work faster. Slow traffic annoys us. We prefer television programs where the plot is introduced, developed and resolved all within 30 minutes (including commercial breaks). An entire business market has developed to help us grasp great works of […]
Your tender hand caught the heart,Of all who watched to see,The gentle touch of innocence,Take hold of the one nearby.Here, in foreign arms, you feltSecure to rest and wait,Till curiosity and comfort met.Bravely you reached out,For the face of him who held you.From that face, I saw youAs you brushed my chin.We stood as one together,Declaring eternal truth;By water and the Spirit,Be reborn. (Penned in […]