The Stench of a Grumbler

The grumblers. You’ll find them most anywhere and it seems especially in church. I’m sure you’ve heard them, the ones who complain about everything: “that money should’ve been given to the poor instead of wasted on that;” or “those large groups of people are only following him because of his charisma.” I know they’re in […]

The Creation of Hope in the Void

Without God, our life is formless and empty. We hover over the surface of the deep, the pit of despair. Deep in our darkness we cannot see, but the Spirit of God is there, hovering over the surface. God is our hope. He brings order to our formless and empty life. In our darkness we […]

Prayer Journey — The Moment Between Pain and Fear

In the moment, wedged between memories of past traumas and worries about a future yet to be, there’s emotional pain from the past and deep fear of what is to come. The pain and fear robs me of this moment dear God; steals my ability to be in the moment, to fill my senses with […]

Morning Praise — An Unknowable Love

Praise to you dear God for the way you show your love and grace. I praise you that you do not always meet my expectations, but instead choose the better path for me; the path with the long term view, not short term gain. I praise you for the littlest surprises that appear in our […]

Letting Christ Straighten Up Our Life

I sat with her in her living room as she talked about her life. Somehow she managed to keep her frail body upright in the chair. A small plastic tube by her nose fed her oxygen as she spoke with a raspy voice. I could sense the bitterness as she told me about past injustices […]

The Superheroes You’ll Never Know

There are certain people I have met in my life who have inspired and challenged me. They are not rich and famous, nor are they well known to the public. They are for the most part ordinary people living life in obscurity, but living for the Lord Jesus. Their accomplishments won’t show up in the […]

Prayer Journey — STOP!

What does it mean to be still dear God? Can I rest? Can I be motionless? Can I really just stop at this moment as the world passes by in a blur? The Psalmist recorded, He says, “Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10, NIV).” I know he is God. I know […]

Morning Praise — Fill Us Oh Lord

This morning God I feel the wind in my hair. It blows forcefully past my face. I hear thunder in the distance. I feel rain falling upon me. A fresh, clean smell fills the air. I praise you God that you fill our senses with your creation. I praise you that you fill us with […]

Seeding the Gospel in Small Ways

A friend of mine has been in ministry for more than 40 years. Recently we were together and I relished hearing him tell about how several people he impacted with his ministry over the decades were now coming together to create a new ministry that he would lead. It reminded me of the parable of […]

Prayer Journey — Unmet Expectations

People will disappoint. Expectations will not be met. I will be hurt by others. Grief will come. I can count on them happening to me in this world. Yet you dear God are faithful. Your grace and love continue to abound. Your promises are truth. Forgive me for having unreasonable expectations of you. Forgive me […]