“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened. But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.” Jonah 3:10-4:1 I like the story of Jonah. It’s an easy read. I pity the mockers of the whale story. They miss the mercy and compassion of … Continue reading Justified Anger
I went to see my Dad today. He’s 84 and lives with strangers now. He was once our leader and provider. Now he sits alone at the dining table with TV noise in the background. I remember how big and strong he was, now his frailty overshadows his large hands, as he sits in a wheelchair. I pass by empty eyes and blank stares down … Continue reading Useful to the End
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties. Again, and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:11-12 In eternity was the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. God’s grace was given … Continue reading With His Own Blood
I love my kids. When they were little, they came with me everywhere. Now when I go to bed, I don’t always know where they’re at. Sometimes, I think about an endless eternity without just one of them and there is no deeper pain for me to contemplate. I’ve spent many nights in anguish and tears wondering where they will go when they die. I … Continue reading No Deeper Pain
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 Prisons are full of men claiming their innocence. Though some have been mistakenly pronounced guilty, the majority deserve to be there. It’s the criminals that are never caught that make us … Continue reading A Glorious Substitution
You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. This past weekend another unexpected fire hit our little mountain town. Laughter and joy of celebrating my daughter’s birthday quickly morphed into anxiety, dread and fear. Reflecting on my emotions after seeing the helicopters and planes clean up today, I am left with the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness. Most … Continue reading Without Strength
“I was found by those who did not seek Me, I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me” Romans 10:20 Sometimes God really surprises us with the people He decides to save. Saul of Tarsus was one of these. He was a terrible person dragging men and women to prison and torturing some of them to death. He thought he was doing … Continue reading His Chosen Vessels
“He told them, this is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47 “Beginning at Jerusalem.” These 3 amazing words tell us much about the love and grace of our great Savior. You know the story. … Continue reading The God of Second Chances
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” Mathew 5:8 Looking back at our lives, we can remember promises that were made to us and not kept. The bigger the promise, the more painful the letdown. God never lies. He promises that the pure in heart will see Him. Who are these holy, guiltless people that will one day behold their King? … Continue reading Treasures in Jars of Clay
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” Mathew 1:18 Stories travel fast in small towns. “She says she’s a virgin,” they all said. “Come now who is going to believe that?” Even Joseph her betrothed didn’t … Continue reading Hard to Believe
Pilgrims Perspective 