The Risk of Moving Forward
"Forward!" is the watchword of the spiritual life, a movement toward a destination that seems so incredibly elusive, but one into which we will step when it does in fact materialize. But "Forward!" is incredibly frightening. It can be costly. It requires change. It requires patience. It requires determination. It…
Witness . . . to the World
Forty days had passed since the Lord Jesus rose from the dead and walked out of a borrowed tomb into the bright morning sunshine of Jerusalem. Now the time had come for him to return to his Father---his return commonly known as the Ascension. Being that Jesus would be returning…
Taking the Lead . . . .
In the margin of my Bible, right next to Psalm 45, I have written the following words: take the lead, at the front, for causes bigger than you---don't be shy. To the right of these words I have placed a star, scrawled in pencil, and to the left of these…
I Can’t Resist
Standing before the great and mighty Sanhedrin was a meek man of very bold stature. Called Stephen, this enthusiastic spokesman for the gospel set out in vivid detail the history of God’s gracious and patient interaction with the oft-obstinate people of Israel. Let us absorb together the concluding challenge of…
A Prayer for Donald J. Trump
During this inauguration week, and on behalf of our new president, I offer the following prayer: Our Heavenly Father, I earnestly plead with you for our new president. I believe the words of Romans 13:1, which declare, "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been…
Do Not Be Afraid
Below is a repost of a popular and timely piece I wrote a few short years ago. Perhaps it will encourage you this weekend, too: Someone that I have known for many years told me that she felt afraid as she thinks about the future and what the implications of…