Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, has stage four Pancreatic cancer. That’s not news—he’s been talking about it for some time. He has also been candid that he’s aware his time left here is limited. I greatly appreciate his honest hope in the midst of suffering and the reality of physical…
Tag: God
Hope in the Hurt
Saddened to read of the fear this recent act of hate in Atlanta has created in the Asian-American community and the added struggle the pandemic has caused over the last year. Cellist Soo Bae reminds us that in all circumstances, God is on the Throne and is worthy of all blessing and honor and glory.
In the Magnolia State of Uncertainty: Waiting to See What God Does
I made it back to Mississippi yesterday. I had waffled on when I was coming, trying to figure out timing so that I could be here when it’s most crucial for the family to be together. Not knowing which way this is going and when while living 400 miles away, timing is important. I don’t…
No, Life is Not Out of Control
This is certainly a timely message for my family. Maybe it is for yours, as well. When the unimaginable or unplanned happens; when the storms of life bear down on our homes, we’re tempted to panic or assume life is out of control. Here’s the Truth: It never is. I want to share a reading…
A Morning Meditation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 This is an amazing passage, especially in light of the fact that Paul has just concluded chapter 7 by talking of the war that wages within us; of the struggle, as Christ-followers, to do what we want to do, all…
Morning Encouragement
Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! 20 My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[b] his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is…
Luck and The Providence of God
Luck is a big part of our vocabulary. I wonder if it’s a part of our theology? Is there such a thing as luck? When we say we’re “fortunate,” are we saying the same thing, but in a less secular way?
Plan B
I like a backup plan. Sometimes I feel I need a backup plan. OK, I always feel like I need a backup plan. Maybe you do, too. After all, who’s gonna jump from an airplane without at least two rip cords, right? The question I want to ponder a little bit is this: Is…
A Little Halloween Surprise
Just discovered a little tidbit about one of the scariest “Halloween” movies of all time, The Exorcist. Turns out it was never intended to be a horror story (Wha?! No, really.) but a story to encourage faith in God. Seriously. Here’s what the author, William Peter Blatty, said in his own words: [T]he humiliating God’s-honest…
This is perhaps the most incredible video I have ever seen. I cannot encourage you enough to watch it. It’s well-worth the 33:03 you will invest…and watch it to the end! You are encouraged to share this with as many people as possible. There are some scenes that are graphic in nature so be advised….
Trusting When It Counts
Most of my married life has been one of uncertainty. I’m not talking about my marriage, specifically, but rather the circumstances we have been in most of our life together. Two years after Karen and I were married, we were called up to New England, uncertain of what we were to do, why specifically we…
The God of Manasseh
2 Chronicles 33:1-17 2 Chronicles 33:20 To read the account of King Manasseh of Judah is absolutely amazing in regards to the mercy of God. Manasseh literally did everything he could to provoke God to fury. Reading about his faithlessness and sin toward God is like watching a fatal train crash in slow motion. I found myself actually getting…
Do, Do, Do, Do, Do, Do, Do, Do, Do
I am guilty. I didn’t know I was guilty until I stopped long enough to consider it and then it hit me. Yeah…I’m guilty. Of course, if I’d considered it earlier, I would have understood the depth of my guilt, but as it is, I was too busy to get it. I get it now. …
On The Election
For the last two weeks at church, we’ve been discussing both the will of God and the Kingdom of God. This week we have a new president. Some are happy about that while others, well, not so much. The question I want to ask is, “Did the will of God occur?” I think the way you answer that will affect what your attitude will be in light of the results. There are basically two possibilities: [read more]
