“I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 29:20, The Message) Shine a light away from you in a semi-dark room. You see a circle of light on anything solid, but do you see the beam in midair? Light beams will… Read More
The world is noisy!
The world is noisy. All day long we get it from every direction: “Look at me!” “Can you believe that nonsense?” “This is the best!” “He’s not one of us.” “Buy now, pay later.” “The sky is falling!” “You deserve the best today.” “Am I my brother’s keeper?” “Whatever makes you feel good …” Take… Read More
The trees of our lives
The Bible is filled with trees—as landmarks, shade, and sources of sustenance; as pictures of life, health, and personhood. Jesus is called “the tree of life.” The Israelites, after being rescued and led to a new life in the Promised Land, chose to trim their life trees into shapes of idols and self-aggrandizement. Invading Assyria… Read More
Philippians 4:1 Stay steady in God!
This is my prayer and desire for those I love–stay on track; stay steady in God. Philippians 4:1 (The Message) My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track,… Read More
Music makes the story come alive
In an extended trailer anticipating the latest remake of Les Miserables (coming out in December—can’t wait!), the director and actors talked about a unique technique used in the filming of this musical. Instead of the actors meeting in a studio to record the songs before the movie is shot, and then trying to match up… Read More
Philippians 3:17-21 Are you on the right track?
We make choices every day, every hour. These choices reveal what is important to us and they determine our direction. Are you on the right track? Philippians 3:17-21 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before,… Read More
from Fear to Trust
My mother is terrified of water, and I’ve been afraid of water since I was a toddler and got knocked over by waves at the beach. My parents made sure I went to swimming lessons–over and over again–hoping that learning how to swim would dissolve the dread and replace it with confidence. I became competent,… Read More
