The world asks: “How can we overcome terrorism and crime?” Its answer is to put police into the schools, pass tougher laws, and spend $2 billion a day on military operations. Yet the global violence and crime escalates.

 read more ...

When my son started watching TV, I watched with him. When a commercial came on, I asked him several questions: “What does that ad promise you? How could that promise be delivered? Would that help you a lot?”

 read more ...

In today’s reading, Jesus’ initial reaction to the Canaanite woman’s clamor for attention requires her to decide what to do with her position in society. “Who do you think you are?” he implies when comparing her to a dog. He seems to be say­ing that her place in this world does not give her the right to approach him.

 read more ...

There is something wonderful about knowing that our God is a God of all peoples and nations. It is the beauty of a chorus, of four-part harmony, of a good party. People who have participated in intercultural worship services have experienced this beauty. Those who have worshipped in other countries know the splendor. Intercultural worship is a tiny foretaste of the heavenly banquet.

 read more ...

The backyard party had begun. Adults chatted in small groups while young children made a playful racket around them. My three-year-old twin girls clung to my legs, timidly observ­ing the activity. I peeled them off and encouraged them to join their friends.

 read more ...

My father and I recently traveled by dugout canoe into the Ecuadorian jungle. The indigenous Chachi communities we visited struggle against poverty, illness, racism, environmental destruction, and guerrilla activity. Many Chachis feel powerless in the face of such challenges.

 read more ...

In the 1970s, development organizations and the Bangladeshi government dug over ten million deep wells in Bangladesh, hoping to reduce sickness and deaths caused by unsafe drinking water. Cholera and other waterborne diseases slowed, and communities around the country experienced newfound health.

 read more ...

Our words not only shape others; they also shape us. Recently, I was in a bad mood and my temper flared at my hus­band. It was time for me to go to work, and I was tempted to leave the tension behind. Fortunately, I convinced myself not to flee, telling myself, “All you need to say are two little words.” I walked up to him and said, “I’m sorry.” He looked me in the eye and pulled me close. read more ...

When I was in the throes of junior high insecurity and concerned about cliques, pimples, and a body awkwardly entering womanhood, a family friend made a comment that helped me to face another day. She said matter-of-factly, “You are beauti­ful, and you always have been.” I can still hear the intonation of her voice. read more ...

If you are reading this before going to church, be warned: lock your car! As Garrison Keillor once remarked about the people of Lake Wobegon, people lock their car doors in August “so their neighbors won’t leave bags of zucchini on the back seat.”  read more ...

Created unending food for a widow. Raised a dead boy back to life. Called down fire from heaven to show up the prophets of Baal. Brought rain after three years of drought. Elijah has a quite impressive résumé as chief prophet to the Israelites. Yet the Bible tells us little about Elijah’s ministry. Between the miracles, there no doubt are times of quiet on God’s part.  read more ...

Soon after my son was born, I found myself strug­gling with question after question. Why won’t he sleep? Why is he crying? How do I know what he needs? I desperately needed some answers.  read more ...

Matthew records the parable of the sheep and the goats as the last teaching Jesus gives before the events of his passion unfold. Jesus apparently reserved these words to be the ones he wanted his disciples to remember. read more ...

This question of James has burned at the heart of Christianity for centuries. Can a person have faith without works, or are works a vital and mandatory display of faith? James has been slowly building his case for holy living and here he finally asks the question that is at the heart of his letter.  read more ...

According to the United States Census Bureau, 12 percent of Americans live in poverty. Sadder yet is that 17 percent of American children live in poverty. Similarly, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports that 11 percent of Canada’s gen­eral population and 15 percent of its children live in poverty. read more ...

If you could describe those who attend your church in just a few words, what words would you use? Adjectives like dirty and poor would probably not top your list. read more ...

When you hear the word abundance, what’s the first image that flashes through your mind? I think of shopping malls at Christmastime, where shelves are stocked with new stuff, and aisles are crammed with people buying it all.  read more ...

Sometimes I find it hard to decide whether I need “down time” or just want to avoid doing something I’m called to do. What shall I do with that free evening after work? Relax in the back yard or work with my son on bicycle repair?  read more ...

If you’ve ever sat with “Jim” at one of our church potlucks, you know about the joy of food. Jim piles his plate as high as possible, and then with a gleam in his eye, he tucks the food in. The twenty-something chuckles as he eats. When he finishes, he sits back, pats his stomach, and looks around, awash in delight. read more ...

For the second time in this first chapter, James tells us how believers are blessed when they “endure” trials. In verse 2 James seems to refer to outer trials of persecution and poverty. Now he hones in on the inner world of temptations (which in the Greek is in the same word group as trials). read more ...

A few years ago, I tried unsuccessfully to grow a watermelon vine. Thinking it was growing too slowly, I watered it more. Since it was a watermelon, I reasoned, the more water the better. The more I fussed with the plant, however, the more it with­ered. Eventually, the plant died, with one fruit the size of a tennis ball flopped to one side. read more ...

I used to envy people who could know, in advance, that God would say yes to their prayer, whether it was for healing, or for a particular job offer. I felt that if I didn’t have this convic­tion, my faith was, to use James’s vocabulary, “unstable” (v. 8).  read more ...

I used to envy people who could know, in advance, that God would say yes to their prayer, whether it was for healing, or for a particular job offer. I felt that if I didn’t have this convic­tion, my faith was, to use James’s vocabulary, “unstable” (v. 8).  read more ...

Last summer our family took a five-day backpacking trip into the wilderness northeast of Winnipeg. As novices to this caliber of hiking, we were especially conscious of the loads on our backs. To carry 30 pounds of tents, bedding, and food up and down rocky trails for most of the day meant aching backs and groans, at least on the first day. Endurance took on new meaning. read more ...

Last summer our family took a five-day backpacking trip into the wilderness northeast of Winnipeg. As novices to this caliber of hiking, we were especially conscious of the loads on our backs. To carry 30 pounds of tents, bedding, and food up and down rocky trails for most of the day meant aching backs and groans, at least on the first day. Endurance took on new meaning. read more ...

We had passed through nine time zones on our jour­ney, stretching our 24-hour day into 33 tiring hours. We had endured three hours on a bus, 13 hours in two airplanes, and hours of delay. Weary and exhausted, we finally stumbled off the tarmac into the familiar warmth of the Fresno airport. We were finally home! read more ...

We had passed through nine time zones on our jour­ney, stretching our 24-hour day into 33 tiring hours. We had endured three hours on a bus, 13 hours in two airplanes, and hours of delay. Weary and exhausted, we finally stumbled off the tarmac into the familiar warmth of the Fresno airport. We were finally home! read more ...

“What are all those little pieces of fabric on your sewing table?” my granddaughters, always full of questions, want­ed to know. read more ...

“What are all those little pieces of fabric on your sewing table?” my granddaughters, always full of questions, want­ed to know. read more ...

After humbly beseeching God for wisdom, Solomon receives what he asks. I have often wished for a lifetime’s worth of wisdom at once. Alas, I must keep on asking and learning, partic­ularly in how to help others.  read more ...

After humbly beseeching God for wisdom, Solomon receives what he asks. I have often wished for a lifetime’s worth of wisdom at once. Alas, I must keep on asking and learning, partic­ularly in how to help others.  read more ...

Peter, James, and John have just seen a vision that changes forever their picture of the rabbi teacher they have been following. Now they hear Jesus ask them to remain silent about their experience. It’s as if Jesus says that their picture of the Messiah is still incomplete, and only more time will help them to see it fully.  read more ...

Peter, James, and John have just seen a vision that changes forever their picture of the rabbi teacher they have been following. Now they hear Jesus ask them to remain silent about their experience. It’s as if Jesus says that their picture of the Messiah is still incomplete, and only more time will help them to see it fully.  read more ...

As I write, candidates for the 2008 presidential elec­tion are clamoring for air time and financial supporters. All are eager to further their individual races for the most powerful posi­tion in the United States government. read more ...

As I write, candidates for the 2008 presidential elec­tion are clamoring for air time and financial supporters. All are eager to further their individual races for the most powerful posi­tion in the United States government. read more ...

With high anticipation, our tour group turned the corner and walked into the next gallery of paintings in the Louvre museum in Paris. Huge crowds were elbowing each other to glimpse the small painting hanging alone on an entire wall. As we finally looked into the eyes of the famous woman in painting— Mona Lisa herself—I wondered what all the fuss was about. The painting was much smaller than the large canvas I had imagined. read more ...

With high anticipation, our tour group turned the corner and walked into the next gallery of paintings in the Louvre museum in Paris. Huge crowds were elbowing each other to glimpse the small painting hanging alone on an entire wall. As we finally looked into the eyes of the famous woman in painting— Mona Lisa herself—I wondered what all the fuss was about. The painting was much smaller than the large canvas I had imagined. read more ...

As I write this, a delegation of the Mennonite World Conference has just attended the Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) conference in Matopo Mission, Zimbabwe. Their purpose was to stand in solidarity and encouragement with the churches in a time of great need and suffering. read more ...

As I write this, a delegation of the Mennonite World Conference has just attended the Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) conference in Matopo Mission, Zimbabwe. Their purpose was to stand in solidarity and encouragement with the churches in a time of great need and suffering. read more ...

It is five months till Christmas. Is anyone in your household looking forward to Christmas? Maybe not, since even Advent is a long way off!  read more ...

It is five months till Christmas. Is anyone in your household looking forward to Christmas? Maybe not, since even Advent is a long way off!  read more ...

Sometimes we scorn people in ancient cultures for worshipping idols made of wood and stone. As modern, civilized people, we would never bow down to a statue! How ridiculous to think that this inanimate object has any spiritual powers!  read more ...

Sometimes we scorn people in ancient cultures for worshipping idols made of wood and stone. As modern, civilized people, we would never bow down to a statue! How ridiculous to think that this inanimate object has any spiritual powers!  read more ...

Jesus has just shared a most intimate meal and per­formed a most loving act for his disciples, and now he predicts that one of them who had just shared in this intimate evening will betray him.  read more ...

Jesus has just shared a most intimate meal and per­formed a most loving act for his disciples, and now he predicts that one of them who had just shared in this intimate evening will betray him.  read more ...

Were these words of Jesus meant to be taken literal­ly? Many Christians throughout the ages have asked this question. The church in which I was baptized answered yes. Jesus set an example for disciples for all time, and they would be blessed to fol­low it (vv. 15, 17). So we did.  read more ...

Were these words of Jesus meant to be taken literal­ly? Many Christians throughout the ages have asked this question. The church in which I was baptized answered yes. Jesus set an example for disciples for all time, and they would be blessed to fol­low it (vv. 15, 17). So we did.  read more ...

This story begins with Jesus at the Last Supper with both Judas, the one who would betray him, and Peter, the one who would deny him. Although the story only tells of the washing of Peter’s feet, we assume he washed all of his disciples’ feet (v. 5), including the feet of Judas. Does that mean that Jesus considered Judas as “part of him” (v. 8)? This is a troubling question. read more ...

This story begins with Jesus at the Last Supper with both Judas, the one who would betray him, and Peter, the one who would deny him. Although the story only tells of the washing of Peter’s feet, we assume he washed all of his disciples’ feet (v. 5), including the feet of Judas. Does that mean that Jesus considered Judas as “part of him” (v. 8)? This is a troubling question. read more ...

In the Gospel story before us for the next four days, Jesus seems to know that his mission on earth is about to come to an end. We, however, cannot know the day or hour of our death. How might we live if we did? It may be a morbid thought for us, but it might also help us to live more fully in the time that we have been given.  read more ...

In the Gospel story before us for the next four days, Jesus seems to know that his mission on earth is about to come to an end. We, however, cannot know the day or hour of our death. How might we live if we did? It may be a morbid thought for us, but it might also help us to live more fully in the time that we have been given.  read more ...

In the Gospel story before us for the next four days, Jesus seems to know that his mission on earth is about to come to an end. We, however, cannot know the day or hour of our death. How might we live if we did? It may be a morbid thought for us, but it might also help us to live more fully in the time that we have been given.  read more ...

What a rich description of the fruitfulness of God’s word! Isaiah begins by skillfully painting an everyday nature scene of rain and snow. Reading these vivid words centuries later, we can almost see the raindrops or snowflakes descending to the earth. We appreciate the life-giving qualities of moisture, which produces buds, growth, seeds, and daily food.  read more ...

What a rich description of the fruitfulness of God’s word! Isaiah begins by skillfully painting an everyday nature scene of rain and snow. Reading these vivid words centuries later, we can almost see the raindrops or snowflakes descending to the earth. We appreciate the life-giving qualities of moisture, which produces buds, growth, seeds, and daily food.  read more ...

What a rich description of the fruitfulness of God’s word! Isaiah begins by skillfully painting an everyday nature scene of rain and snow. Reading these vivid words centuries later, we can almost see the raindrops or snowflakes descending to the earth. We appreciate the life-giving qualities of moisture, which produces buds, growth, seeds, and daily food.  read more ...

Though the memory is now over thirty years old, it holds a vivid place in my brain. Water is at the heart of the memo­ry—lots and lots of water.  read more ...

Though the memory is now over thirty years old, it holds a vivid place in my brain. Water is at the heart of the memo­ry—lots and lots of water.  read more ...

Though the memory is now over thirty years old, it holds a vivid place in my brain. Water is at the heart of the memo­ry—lots and lots of water.  read more ...

I left the parishioners’ home, smiling at the blessing I’d received. I had come for a pastoral visit, getting to know these folks in the congregation where I was newly serving. I went to my car, laden with produce, certain that I had received more than I had given. read more ...

I left the parishioners’ home, smiling at the blessing I’d received. I had come for a pastoral visit, getting to know these folks in the congregation where I was newly serving. I went to my car, laden with produce, certain that I had received more than I had given. read more ...

I left the parishioners’ home, smiling at the blessing I’d received. I had come for a pastoral visit, getting to know these folks in the congregation where I was newly serving. I went to my car, laden with produce, certain that I had received more than I had given. read more ...

Imagine coming to a fork in the road of life, and you have a choice to make. One of them is the easy way. The road stretches smoothly ahead, like a cruiser’s dream. The other way has obvious obstacles and hardships; suffering and pain are certain. Most significant, you sense God’s voice telling you to take the hard road because it leads to important, necessary work. God has a job for you to do on the hard road. What do you choose?  read more ...

Imagine coming to a fork in the road of life, and you have a choice to make. One of them is the easy way. The road stretches smoothly ahead, like a cruiser’s dream. The other way has obvious obstacles and hardships; suffering and pain are certain. Most significant, you sense God’s voice telling you to take the hard road because it leads to important, necessary work. God has a job for you to do on the hard road. What do you choose?  read more ...

Imagine coming to a fork in the road of life, and you have a choice to make. One of them is the easy way. The road stretches smoothly ahead, like a cruiser’s dream. The other way has obvious obstacles and hardships; suffering and pain are certain. Most significant, you sense God’s voice telling you to take the hard road because it leads to important, necessary work. God has a job for you to do on the hard road. What do you choose?  read more ...

Tossing and turning, I seek the slumber that would wrap me like a blanket, bringing restorative, soothing sleep. The events of the day, especially the troubling parts, keep replaying in my mind’s eye. I worry about myself, my loved ones, and a host of the world’s ills. Sleep, and the peace it brings, seems nowhere near.  read more ...

Tossing and turning, I seek the slumber that would wrap me like a blanket, bringing restorative, soothing sleep. The events of the day, especially the troubling parts, keep replaying in my mind’s eye. I worry about myself, my loved ones, and a host of the world’s ills. Sleep, and the peace it brings, seems nowhere near.  read more ...

Tossing and turning, I seek the slumber that would wrap me like a blanket, bringing restorative, soothing sleep. The events of the day, especially the troubling parts, keep replaying in my mind’s eye. I worry about myself, my loved ones, and a host of the world’s ills. Sleep, and the peace it brings, seems nowhere near.  read more ...

Travelers to modern-day Israel can poke around first-century ruins, seeking evidence for the life of Jesus. Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, is one such place of interest. It is a pretty scene, especially in the spring, when the winter rains waken the colors of the surrounding meadows. From the biblical record of Jesus and his disciples, it is easy to imag­ine them fishing on the sea, warming to the beauty of sunshine in a mild climate, and bringing healing to many.  read more ...

Travelers to modern-day Israel can poke around first-century ruins, seeking evidence for the life of Jesus. Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, is one such place of interest. It is a pretty scene, especially in the spring, when the winter rains waken the colors of the surrounding meadows. From the biblical record of Jesus and his disciples, it is easy to imag­ine them fishing on the sea, warming to the beauty of sunshine in a mild climate, and bringing healing to many.  read more ...

Travelers to modern-day Israel can poke around first-century ruins, seeking evidence for the life of Jesus. Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, is one such place of interest. It is a pretty scene, especially in the spring, when the winter rains waken the colors of the surrounding meadows. From the biblical record of Jesus and his disciples, it is easy to imag­ine them fishing on the sea, warming to the beauty of sunshine in a mild climate, and bringing healing to many.  read more ...

I live in a comfortable home on a tree-lined street in a Midwestern city, just a half block away from a busy main street. Often, my work and activities draw me onto the street and into the downtown. Riding the bus or pausing at crowded street corners, I see plenty of the people described in Isaiah 61.  read more ...

I live in a comfortable home on a tree-lined street in a Midwestern city, just a half block away from a busy main street. Often, my work and activities draw me onto the street and into the downtown. Riding the bus or pausing at crowded street corners, I see plenty of the people described in Isaiah 61.  read more ...

I live in a comfortable home on a tree-lined street in a Midwestern city, just a half block away from a busy main street. Often, my work and activities draw me onto the street and into the downtown. Riding the bus or pausing at crowded street corners, I see plenty of the people described in Isaiah 61.  read more ...

“My yoke is easy,” commentators tell us, was likely the slogan associated with Jesus’ carpentry shop. Ox yokes were the custom-crafted labor of skilled carpenters. A perfect fit enabled a pair of oxen to give full effort to moving a load. Chafed and fold­ed skin was avoided and oxen were able to work to peak efficien­cy when the yoke was designed and carved properly. Perhaps the shop where Jesus apprenticed under Joseph and later managed himself was known for its fine workmanship in yokes. read more ...

“My yoke is easy,” commentators tell us, was likely the slogan associated with Jesus’ carpentry shop. Ox yokes were the custom-crafted labor of skilled carpenters. A perfect fit enabled a pair of oxen to give full effort to moving a load. Chafed and fold­ed skin was avoided and oxen were able to work to peak efficien­cy when the yoke was designed and carved properly. Perhaps the shop where Jesus apprenticed under Joseph and later managed himself was known for its fine workmanship in yokes. read more ...

“My yoke is easy,” commentators tell us, was likely the slogan associated with Jesus’ carpentry shop. Ox yokes were the custom-crafted labor of skilled carpenters. A perfect fit enabled a pair of oxen to give full effort to moving a load. Chafed and fold­ed skin was avoided and oxen were able to work to peak efficien­cy when the yoke was designed and carved properly. Perhaps the shop where Jesus apprenticed under Joseph and later managed himself was known for its fine workmanship in yokes. read more ...

A is for apple. B is for boy. C is for cat. . . . Z is for zebra. Do you remember teaching a child their ABC’s? Most likely none of us remembers learning the alphabet. It has become instinct.  read more ...

A is for apple. B is for boy. C is for cat. . . . Z is for zebra. Do you remember teaching a child their ABC’s? Most likely none of us remembers learning the alphabet. It has become instinct.  read more ...

A is for apple. B is for boy. C is for cat. . . . Z is for zebra. Do you remember teaching a child their ABC’s? Most likely none of us remembers learning the alphabet. It has become instinct.  read more ...

The United States is in the throes of presidential politics. Blue states, red states, elephants and donkeys. Give me a break!  read more ...

The United States is in the throes of presidential politics. Blue states, red states, elephants and donkeys. Give me a break!  read more ...

The United States is in the throes of presidential politics. Blue states, red states, elephants and donkeys. Give me a break!  read more ...

The story is told of a dramatic turn of events after a break-in at an exclusive jewelry store. Nothing had been taken, but the prices had been changed. Cheap costume jewelry carried the price tag of thousands of dollars while diamond bracelets had been marked down to a few dollars.  read more ...

The story is told of a dramatic turn of events after a break-in at an exclusive jewelry store. Nothing had been taken, but the prices had been changed. Cheap costume jewelry carried the price tag of thousands of dollars while diamond bracelets had been marked down to a few dollars.  read more ...

The story is told of a dramatic turn of events after a break-in at an exclusive jewelry store. Nothing had been taken, but the prices had been changed. Cheap costume jewelry carried the price tag of thousands of dollars while diamond bracelets had been marked down to a few dollars.  read more ...

In The Gospel According to Peanuts, Charles Schultz shows the competing philosophies among the characters of his popular cartoon strip. “Happiness,” says Lucy, “is a warm puppy.” “Happiness is a sad song,” counters Linus.  read more ...

In The Gospel According to Peanuts, Charles Schultz shows the competing philosophies among the characters of his popular cartoon strip. “Happiness,” says Lucy, “is a warm puppy.” “Happiness is a sad song,” counters Linus.  read more ...

In The Gospel According to Peanuts, Charles Schultz shows the competing philosophies among the characters of his popular cartoon strip. “Happiness,” says Lucy, “is a warm puppy.” “Happiness is a sad song,” counters Linus.  read more ...

I’ve led several mission trips with college students to Mexico City. We have gone as learners, not missionaries, and the Peace Christian Church has welcomed us, taught us, loved us, and even found ways to use our energy and good intentions. Inevitably, as the trips draw to a close, students resist returning to the routine of college life. How can we go back to ordinary living?  read more ...

I’ve led several mission trips with college students to Mexico City. We have gone as learners, not missionaries, and the Peace Christian Church has welcomed us, taught us, loved us, and even found ways to use our energy and good intentions. Inevitably, as the trips draw to a close, students resist returning to the routine of college life. How can we go back to ordinary living?  read more ...

I’ve led several mission trips with college students to Mexico City. We have gone as learners, not missionaries, and the Peace Christian Church has welcomed us, taught us, loved us, and even found ways to use our energy and good intentions. Inevitably, as the trips draw to a close, students resist returning to the routine of college life. How can we go back to ordinary living?  read more ...

I am not a careful gardener. That confession, my neighbors might contend, is a great understatement. However, there is at least one gardening failure that provokes irritation even in me. Shoots that grow out of an old stump should be cut off. “Suckering” shoots ought not to survive.  read more ...

I am not a careful gardener. That confession, my neighbors might contend, is a great understatement. However, there is at least one gardening failure that provokes irritation even in me. Shoots that grow out of an old stump should be cut off. “Suckering” shoots ought not to survive.  read more ...

I am not a careful gardener. That confession, my neighbors might contend, is a great understatement. However, there is at least one gardening failure that provokes irritation even in me. Shoots that grow out of an old stump should be cut off. “Suckering” shoots ought not to survive.  read more ...

As I write, the 2007 World Series of baseball is under way. Players on the winning team will be rewarded with rings, money bonuses, advertising contracts, and great prestige. Every segment of the entertainment industry has its own awards ceremo­ny where the best actress, the best musician, the best artist is rewarded. Businesses reward faithful employees with watches, financial incentives, and advancement in their careers. read more ...

As I write, the 2007 World Series of baseball is under way. Players on the winning team will be rewarded with rings, money bonuses, advertising contracts, and great prestige. Every segment of the entertainment industry has its own awards ceremo­ny where the best actress, the best musician, the best artist is rewarded. Businesses reward faithful employees with watches, financial incentives, and advancement in their careers. read more ...

As I write, the 2007 World Series of baseball is under way. Players on the winning team will be rewarded with rings, money bonuses, advertising contracts, and great prestige. Every segment of the entertainment industry has its own awards ceremo­ny where the best actress, the best musician, the best artist is rewarded. Businesses reward faithful employees with watches, financial incentives, and advancement in their careers. read more ...

In these verses, the apostle Paul uses first-century realities of slavery to describe the power of sin and its effect on one’s daily life. Today, we might use other terms: obsessions, addic­tions, doing what feels good or just getting what we deserve.  read more ...

In these verses, the apostle Paul uses first-century realities of slavery to describe the power of sin and its effect on one’s daily life. Today, we might use other terms: obsessions, addic­tions, doing what feels good or just getting what we deserve.  read more ...

In these verses, the apostle Paul uses first-century realities of slavery to describe the power of sin and its effect on one’s daily life. Today, we might use other terms: obsessions, addic­tions, doing what feels good or just getting what we deserve.  read more ...

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses instructs the people to teach their families about God’s faithfulness. He even gives specific examples of when that teaching should occur—when they’re sitting and relaxing in their homes, when they’re walking outside, before they go to bed at night, and when they arise in the morning. read more ...

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses instructs the people to teach their families about God’s faithfulness. He even gives specific examples of when that teaching should occur—when they’re sitting and relaxing in their homes, when they’re walking outside, before they go to bed at night, and when they arise in the morning. read more ...

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses instructs the people to teach their families about God’s faithfulness. He even gives specific examples of when that teaching should occur—when they’re sitting and relaxing in their homes, when they’re walking outside, before they go to bed at night, and when they arise in the morning. read more ...

As part of my job at the Mennonite Information Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I lead the tour of our Old Testament tabernacle reproduction. Part of my lecture includes a description of the sacrifices offered at the tabernacle and the precise preparations needed to make those sacrifices acceptable to God.  read more ...

As part of my job at the Mennonite Information Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I lead the tour of our Old Testament tabernacle reproduction. Part of my lecture includes a description of the sacrifices offered at the tabernacle and the precise preparations needed to make those sacrifices acceptable to God.  read more ...

As part of my job at the Mennonite Information Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I lead the tour of our Old Testament tabernacle reproduction. Part of my lecture includes a description of the sacrifices offered at the tabernacle and the precise preparations needed to make those sacrifices acceptable to God.  read more ...

Today’s key verse offers a stark contrast to the val­ues of our contemporary way of life. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at night, we are bombarded with messages designed to create discontentment within us.  read more ...

Today’s key verse offers a stark contrast to the val­ues of our contemporary way of life. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at night, we are bombarded with messages designed to create discontentment within us.  read more ...

Today’s key verse offers a stark contrast to the val­ues of our contemporary way of life. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at night, we are bombarded with messages designed to create discontentment within us.  read more ...

Whenever Susan sees a newborn baby, she asks, “Who does he or she look like?” Then she studies the infant and finds identifying features—Daddy’s eyes, Mommy’s mouth, Grandma’s hairline. As the baby grows, other family resemblances often appear—personality traits, mannerisms, and body structure. read more ...

Whenever Susan sees a newborn baby, she asks, “Who does he or she look like?” Then she studies the infant and finds identifying features—Daddy’s eyes, Mommy’s mouth, Grandma’s hairline. As the baby grows, other family resemblances often appear—personality traits, mannerisms, and body structure. read more ...

Whenever Susan sees a newborn baby, she asks, “Who does he or she look like?” Then she studies the infant and finds identifying features—Daddy’s eyes, Mommy’s mouth, Grandma’s hairline. As the baby grows, other family resemblances often appear—personality traits, mannerisms, and body structure. read more ...

Enemies come in various guises. Some threaten bod­ily harm; others destroy one’s peace of mind. Sometimes it’s hard to discern which type of enemy is attacking. read more ...

Enemies come in various guises. Some threaten bod­ily harm; others destroy one’s peace of mind. Sometimes it’s hard to discern which type of enemy is attacking. read more ...

Enemies come in various guises. Some threaten bod­ily harm; others destroy one’s peace of mind. Sometimes it’s hard to discern which type of enemy is attacking. read more ...

In the early 1900s, Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle of Elmira, New York, became the inspiration for the well-known hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” At that time, Mrs. Doolittle had already been bedridden for about 20 years, and her husband was also crip­pled, yet both lived vibrant Christian lives. When asked for their secret, Mrs. Doolittle replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” read more ...

In the early 1900s, Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle of Elmira, New York, became the inspiration for the well-known hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” At that time, Mrs. Doolittle had already been bedridden for about 20 years, and her husband was also crip­pled, yet both lived vibrant Christian lives. When asked for their secret, Mrs. Doolittle replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” read more ...

In the early 1900s, Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle of Elmira, New York, became the inspiration for the well-known hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” At that time, Mrs. Doolittle had already been bedridden for about 20 years, and her husband was also crip­pled, yet both lived vibrant Christian lives. When asked for their secret, Mrs. Doolittle replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” read more ...

Every so often, I hear the expression, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.” When it comes to getting things done in a business or a church, it is often easier and faster just to go ahead and worry about the consequences later.  read more ...

Every so often, I hear the expression, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.” When it comes to getting things done in a business or a church, it is often easier and faster just to go ahead and worry about the consequences later.  read more ...

Every so often, I hear the expression, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.” When it comes to getting things done in a business or a church, it is often easier and faster just to go ahead and worry about the consequences later.  read more ...

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? For the psalmist, it is a combination of being estranged from his family and friends, suffering insult, and being the subject of gos­sip and ridicule. It’s described in vivid terms: “sinking in the mire,” having “the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me.”  read more ...

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? For the psalmist, it is a combination of being estranged from his family and friends, suffering insult, and being the subject of gos­sip and ridicule. It’s described in vivid terms: “sinking in the mire,” having “the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me.”  read more ...

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? For the psalmist, it is a combination of being estranged from his family and friends, suffering insult, and being the subject of gos­sip and ridicule. It’s described in vivid terms: “sinking in the mire,” having “the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me.”  read more ...

Two boys, one cookie. In the eyes of one brother, the solution was simple—his brother could “be Jesus” and leave the cookie to him. But Paul’s exhortation to have “the mind of Christ” is not only for the one brother. Instead, Paul writes to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (1:1). This word is not meant for us as individuals. The “you” here in Philippians 2:5 is plural: Let the same mind be among yourselves that was in Christ Jesus. It was not only the one brother or the one sister, but all who were to think like Christ. read more ...

Two boys, one cookie. In the eyes of one brother, the solution was simple—his brother could “be Jesus” and leave the cookie to him. But Paul’s exhortation to have “the mind of Christ” is not only for the one brother. Instead, Paul writes to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (1:1). This word is not meant for us as individuals. The “you” here in Philippians 2:5 is plural: Let the same mind be among yourselves that was in Christ Jesus. It was not only the one brother or the one sister, but all who were to think like Christ. read more ...

Two boys, one cookie. In the eyes of one brother, the solution was simple—his brother could “be Jesus” and leave the cookie to him. But Paul’s exhortation to have “the mind of Christ” is not only for the one brother. Instead, Paul writes to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (1:1). This word is not meant for us as individuals. The “you” here in Philippians 2:5 is plural: Let the same mind be among yourselves that was in Christ Jesus. It was not only the one brother or the one sister, but all who were to think like Christ. read more ...

Two small boys had their eyes on the same last cook­ie on the plate. Who would get the very last one? “What would Jesus do?” their mother asked. “I know,” said the one; “Jesus would let his brother have the last cookie.” With that, he snatched up the cookie and said to his brother, “You can be Jesus!” read more ...

Two small boys had their eyes on the same last cook­ie on the plate. Who would get the very last one? “What would Jesus do?” their mother asked. “I know,” said the one; “Jesus would let his brother have the last cookie.” With that, he snatched up the cookie and said to his brother, “You can be Jesus!” read more ...

Two small boys had their eyes on the same last cook­ie on the plate. Who would get the very last one? “What would Jesus do?” their mother asked. “I know,” said the one; “Jesus would let his brother have the last cookie.” With that, he snatched up the cookie and said to his brother, “You can be Jesus!” read more ...

In 2007, a record 54,317 participants signed up for the Vancouver Sun Run, the largest 10-kilometre (six-mile) road race in Canada. Each year, there are so many walkers and runners that it’s quite possible for the first elite runners to take off without those at the back of the line even realizing that the race has begun. Instead, the more recreational walkers and runners might still be warming up, or pinning on their numbers, or chatting with friends, completely unaware that the race is already underway.  read more ...

In 2007, a record 54,317 participants signed up for the Vancouver Sun Run, the largest 10-kilometre (six-mile) road race in Canada. Each year, there are so many walkers and runners that it’s quite possible for the first elite runners to take off without those at the back of the line even realizing that the race has begun. Instead, the more recreational walkers and runners might still be warming up, or pinning on their numbers, or chatting with friends, completely unaware that the race is already underway.  read more ...

In 2007, a record 54,317 participants signed up for the Vancouver Sun Run, the largest 10-kilometre (six-mile) road race in Canada. Each year, there are so many walkers and runners that it’s quite possible for the first elite runners to take off without those at the back of the line even realizing that the race has begun. Instead, the more recreational walkers and runners might still be warming up, or pinning on their numbers, or chatting with friends, completely unaware that the race is already underway.  read more ...

Books on leadership are everywhere these days. From the best-selling Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward, to the practical and church-oriented Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, to my all-time personal favorite, Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree—there is a wealth of research, examples, and good advice for us all.  read more ...

Books on leadership are everywhere these days. From the best-selling Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward, to the practical and church-oriented Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, to my all-time personal favorite, Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree—there is a wealth of research, examples, and good advice for us all.  read more ...

Books on leadership are everywhere these days. From the best-selling Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward, to the practical and church-oriented Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, to my all-time personal favorite, Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree—there is a wealth of research, examples, and good advice for us all.  read more ...

Whenever an individual or family in our small con­gregation moves, many of our members show up to help. I call it the Chinese method; you have enough people, and much gets done. But it’s more than the numbers; it’s also fun to be with each other, and it builds our sense of community. read more ...

Whenever an individual or family in our small con­gregation moves, many of our members show up to help. I call it the Chinese method; you have enough people, and much gets done. But it’s more than the numbers; it’s also fun to be with each other, and it builds our sense of community. read more ...

Whenever an individual or family in our small con­gregation moves, many of our members show up to help. I call it the Chinese method; you have enough people, and much gets done. But it’s more than the numbers; it’s also fun to be with each other, and it builds our sense of community. read more ...

In our culture, people—especially men—are encour­aged to be strong. You’ve probably heard someone say, “That’s so lame.” Weakness is considered a severe defect. I’ve even heard Christian leaders criticize believers who worship a “wimpy Jesus.”  read more ...

In our culture, people—especially men—are encour­aged to be strong. You’ve probably heard someone say, “That’s so lame.” Weakness is considered a severe defect. I’ve even heard Christian leaders criticize believers who worship a “wimpy Jesus.”  read more ...

In our culture, people—especially men—are encour­aged to be strong. You’ve probably heard someone say, “That’s so lame.” Weakness is considered a severe defect. I’ve even heard Christian leaders criticize believers who worship a “wimpy Jesus.”  read more ...

In my growing-up years, my favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Though my older adult siblings celebrated Christmas Day with their own families, nearly everyone in our large family came to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving. I loved the great food, having everyone around, and hearing the many sto­ries. read more ...

In my growing-up years, my favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Though my older adult siblings celebrated Christmas Day with their own families, nearly everyone in our large family came to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving. I loved the great food, having everyone around, and hearing the many sto­ries. read more ...

In my growing-up years, my favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Though my older adult siblings celebrated Christmas Day with their own families, nearly everyone in our large family came to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving. I loved the great food, having everyone around, and hearing the many sto­ries. read more ...

In high school, when I was a new Christian, I was determined to live rightly. I had little teaching from the Bible and didn’t know much about what living rightly meant. But I knew that certain things were wrong. read more ...

In high school, when I was a new Christian, I was determined to live rightly. I had little teaching from the Bible and didn’t know much about what living rightly meant. But I knew that certain things were wrong. read more ...

In high school, when I was a new Christian, I was determined to live rightly. I had little teaching from the Bible and didn’t know much about what living rightly meant. But I knew that certain things were wrong. read more ...

 On a shelf in my office at home are several photos that I’ve placed in frames. Each is of certain family members. Out of all my photos, I’ve set those apart to display there.
 read more ...

 On a shelf in my office at home are several photos that I’ve placed in frames. Each is of certain family members. Out of all my photos, I’ve set those apart to display there.
 read more ...

 On a shelf in my office at home are several photos that I’ve placed in frames. Each is of certain family members. Out of all my photos, I’ve set those apart to display there.
 read more ...

The word mediator may seem bland if we’re used to hearing it applied to Jesus. But when we experience someone play­ing that role, even in a much-smaller way, it takes on new meaning.  read more ...

The word mediator may seem bland if we’re used to hearing it applied to Jesus. But when we experience someone play­ing that role, even in a much-smaller way, it takes on new meaning.  read more ...

The word mediator may seem bland if we’re used to hearing it applied to Jesus. But when we experience someone play­ing that role, even in a much-smaller way, it takes on new meaning.  read more ...

Short as they are, “I am” may be the two most pow­erful words in Scripture. The Gospel of John records Jesus using them often, most of the time with a title: “I am the light of the world, . . . the Good Shepherd, . . . the bread of life.”  read more ...

Short as they are, “I am” may be the two most pow­erful words in Scripture. The Gospel of John records Jesus using them often, most of the time with a title: “I am the light of the world, . . . the Good Shepherd, . . . the bread of life.”  read more ...

Short as they are, “I am” may be the two most pow­erful words in Scripture. The Gospel of John records Jesus using them often, most of the time with a title: “I am the light of the world, . . . the Good Shepherd, . . . the bread of life.”  read more ...

Many years ago I wrote the life story of Anna Shilstra, a doctor who lived in my hometown of Steinbach, Manitoba, in the early 1900s. This Presbyterian from Ontario was quite different from her conservative, less-educated, German-speaking Mennonite patients. She had a Scottish accent, a universi­ty education, stylish clothes, a passion for photography, skill at cro­quet, and a love of classic literature. read more ...

Many years ago I wrote the life story of Anna Shilstra, a doctor who lived in my hometown of Steinbach, Manitoba, in the early 1900s. This Presbyterian from Ontario was quite different from her conservative, less-educated, German-speaking Mennonite patients. She had a Scottish accent, a universi­ty education, stylish clothes, a passion for photography, skill at cro­quet, and a love of classic literature. read more ...

Many years ago I wrote the life story of Anna Shilstra, a doctor who lived in my hometown of Steinbach, Manitoba, in the early 1900s. This Presbyterian from Ontario was quite different from her conservative, less-educated, German-speaking Mennonite patients. She had a Scottish accent, a universi­ty education, stylish clothes, a passion for photography, skill at cro­quet, and a love of classic literature. read more ...

I have an old family photo of my grandfather stand­ing on his farmyard in Gnadenthal, Manitoba, feeding a spotted white fawn from his hand. I was just a little girl when, on a visit, I found that tiny deer in Grandpa’s barn. He had been driving home from our family cottage and found the fawn in the ditch beside its dead mother, which had been hit by a passing vehicle. Grandpa knew the young deer would die too without its mother. He felt so sorry for it that he decided to bring it home and care for it.  read more ...

I have an old family photo of my grandfather stand­ing on his farmyard in Gnadenthal, Manitoba, feeding a spotted white fawn from his hand. I was just a little girl when, on a visit, I found that tiny deer in Grandpa’s barn. He had been driving home from our family cottage and found the fawn in the ditch beside its dead mother, which had been hit by a passing vehicle. Grandpa knew the young deer would die too without its mother. He felt so sorry for it that he decided to bring it home and care for it.  read more ...

I have an old family photo of my grandfather stand­ing on his farmyard in Gnadenthal, Manitoba, feeding a spotted white fawn from his hand. I was just a little girl when, on a visit, I found that tiny deer in Grandpa’s barn. He had been driving home from our family cottage and found the fawn in the ditch beside its dead mother, which had been hit by a passing vehicle. Grandpa knew the young deer would die too without its mother. He felt so sorry for it that he decided to bring it home and care for it.  read more ...

“One of my objections to religion is that it prevents the search for God,” claimed Arthur Clarke, author of the science-fiction story, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Perhaps his reasoning stems from a feeling that churches insist on their particular ideas about God as the only valid and correct ones. Had he encountered any settings where the desire for more knowledge about God actually gave focus, energy, and meaning to a lifelong journey of faith? read more ...

“One of my objections to religion is that it prevents the search for God,” claimed Arthur Clarke, author of the science-fiction story, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Perhaps his reasoning stems from a feeling that churches insist on their particular ideas about God as the only valid and correct ones. Had he encountered any settings where the desire for more knowledge about God actually gave focus, energy, and meaning to a lifelong journey of faith? read more ...

“One of my objections to religion is that it prevents the search for God,” claimed Arthur Clarke, author of the science-fiction story, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Perhaps his reasoning stems from a feeling that churches insist on their particular ideas about God as the only valid and correct ones. Had he encountered any settings where the desire for more knowledge about God actually gave focus, energy, and meaning to a lifelong journey of faith? read more ...

On trips to the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Macau, I toured two homes owned by China’s first president, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. I learned that as a 17-year-old student, Yat-Sen was baptized as a Christian. Some biographers claim that his faith influ­enced the way he governed China after ending the age of emperors. read more ...

On trips to the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Macau, I toured two homes owned by China’s first president, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. I learned that as a 17-year-old student, Yat-Sen was baptized as a Christian. Some biographers claim that his faith influ­enced the way he governed China after ending the age of emperors. read more ...

On trips to the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Macau, I toured two homes owned by China’s first president, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. I learned that as a 17-year-old student, Yat-Sen was baptized as a Christian. Some biographers claim that his faith influ­enced the way he governed China after ending the age of emperors. read more ...

I have a very old copy of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which used to belong to my Aunt Viola. I don’t know how many times she read the novel before passing it on to me, but I read it over and over again. I also read it aloud to my oldest son and to hundreds of my elementary school students. They fell in love with the feisty, honest, and idealistic Anne just as I had. Virtually everyone who hears her story is entranced by it. read more ...

I have a very old copy of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which used to belong to my Aunt Viola. I don’t know how many times she read the novel before passing it on to me, but I read it over and over again. I also read it aloud to my oldest son and to hundreds of my elementary school students. They fell in love with the feisty, honest, and idealistic Anne just as I had. Virtually everyone who hears her story is entranced by it. read more ...

I have a very old copy of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which used to belong to my Aunt Viola. I don’t know how many times she read the novel before passing it on to me, but I read it over and over again. I also read it aloud to my oldest son and to hundreds of my elementary school students. They fell in love with the feisty, honest, and idealistic Anne just as I had. Virtually everyone who hears her story is entranced by it. read more ...

Vo and Le Trung were our hosts when we attended an educational conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They owned the Le Trung Hotel and gave us a lovely room with a great view. They sent a van to meet us at the airport. Each morning, their staff served breakfasts of crusty French rolls and sweet cold coffee. They also arranged for sightseeing tours on the weekends. read more ...

Vo and Le Trung were our hosts when we attended an educational conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They owned the Le Trung Hotel and gave us a lovely room with a great view. They sent a van to meet us at the airport. Each morning, their staff served breakfasts of crusty French rolls and sweet cold coffee. They also arranged for sightseeing tours on the weekends. read more ...

Vo and Le Trung were our hosts when we attended an educational conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They owned the Le Trung Hotel and gave us a lovely room with a great view. They sent a van to meet us at the airport. Each morning, their staff served breakfasts of crusty French rolls and sweet cold coffee. They also arranged for sightseeing tours on the weekends. read more ...

I have no trouble remembering my sins, even those I committed a long time ago. I was six, for example, when I packed a suitcase and ran away from home for a few hours because I was angry at my mother.  read more ...

I have no trouble remembering my sins, even those I committed a long time ago. I was six, for example, when I packed a suitcase and ran away from home for a few hours because I was angry at my mother.  read more ...

I have no trouble remembering my sins, even those I committed a long time ago. I was six, for example, when I packed a suitcase and ran away from home for a few hours because I was angry at my mother.  read more ...

Today’s reading contains one of the most frightening statements in the entire Bible. If it is possible that some people who say they believe in Jesus could be mistaken, what about me? It’s even less reassuring to read that these same people were prophesying, casting out demons, and doing many deeds of power in Jesus’ name. Compared to them, my own spiritual résumé seems rather pitiful— no prophecies, no exorcisms, no certified “deeds of power.” read more ...

Today’s reading contains one of the most frightening statements in the entire Bible. If it is possible that some people who say they believe in Jesus could be mistaken, what about me? It’s even less reassuring to read that these same people were prophesying, casting out demons, and doing many deeds of power in Jesus’ name. Compared to them, my own spiritual résumé seems rather pitiful— no prophecies, no exorcisms, no certified “deeds of power.” read more ...

Today’s reading contains one of the most frightening statements in the entire Bible. If it is possible that some people who say they believe in Jesus could be mistaken, what about me? It’s even less reassuring to read that these same people were prophesying, casting out demons, and doing many deeds of power in Jesus’ name. Compared to them, my own spiritual résumé seems rather pitiful— no prophecies, no exorcisms, no certified “deeds of power.” read more ...

I am not ashamed of the gospel, and I am not ashamed to live out my faith. But sometimes I do struggle with the call to proclaim the power of the gospel. Sometimes I lack the right words to say. Sometimes I remain quiet because I don’t expect oth­ers to respond positively, especially when they don’t share my val­ues or lifestyle. How could they possibly understand what Jesus has done for me?  read more ...

I am not ashamed of the gospel, and I am not ashamed to live out my faith. But sometimes I do struggle with the call to proclaim the power of the gospel. Sometimes I lack the right words to say. Sometimes I remain quiet because I don’t expect oth­ers to respond positively, especially when they don’t share my val­ues or lifestyle. How could they possibly understand what Jesus has done for me?  read more ...

I am not ashamed of the gospel, and I am not ashamed to live out my faith. But sometimes I do struggle with the call to proclaim the power of the gospel. Sometimes I lack the right words to say. Sometimes I remain quiet because I don’t expect oth­ers to respond positively, especially when they don’t share my val­ues or lifestyle. How could they possibly understand what Jesus has done for me?  read more ...

The top shelf of my desk holds several reminders of significant events in my faith journey. I have an olive wood icon bought on a trip to the Holy Land, a candle given to me when I graduated from seminary, and a marble figure bent over in thought­ful reflection and study. All three keepsakes represent times when God gave me a word regarding my future calling in life. Although I do not have a mezuzah containing the words of God on the door­post of my apartment and I have not literally bound the words of God to my hands or forehead, these objects help me to remember God’s promises and faithfulness. read more ...

The top shelf of my desk holds several reminders of significant events in my faith journey. I have an olive wood icon bought on a trip to the Holy Land, a candle given to me when I graduated from seminary, and a marble figure bent over in thought­ful reflection and study. All three keepsakes represent times when God gave me a word regarding my future calling in life. Although I do not have a mezuzah containing the words of God on the door­post of my apartment and I have not literally bound the words of God to my hands or forehead, these objects help me to remember God’s promises and faithfulness. read more ...

The top shelf of my desk holds several reminders of significant events in my faith journey. I have an olive wood icon bought on a trip to the Holy Land, a candle given to me when I graduated from seminary, and a marble figure bent over in thought­ful reflection and study. All three keepsakes represent times when God gave me a word regarding my future calling in life. Although I do not have a mezuzah containing the words of God on the door­post of my apartment and I have not literally bound the words of God to my hands or forehead, these objects help me to remember God’s promises and faithfulness. read more ...

The frenetic pace of modern North American life can leave one wondering if anything remains constant besides change itself. By the time some of us have finally figured out how to set the time on our VCR, it has been replaced by a DVD player. Or we learn to use our new digital camera only to dis­cover that we can now take pictures with our cell phone. Rarely do we own something long enough to wear it out before it has been replaced by the latest new and improved version.  read more ...

The frenetic pace of modern North American life can leave one wondering if anything remains constant besides change itself. By the time some of us have finally figured out how to set the time on our VCR, it has been replaced by a DVD player. Or we learn to use our new digital camera only to dis­cover that we can now take pictures with our cell phone. Rarely do we own something long enough to wear it out before it has been replaced by the latest new and improved version.  read more ...

The frenetic pace of modern North American life can leave one wondering if anything remains constant besides change itself. By the time some of us have finally figured out how to set the time on our VCR, it has been replaced by a DVD player. Or we learn to use our new digital camera only to dis­cover that we can now take pictures with our cell phone. Rarely do we own something long enough to wear it out before it has been replaced by the latest new and improved version.  read more ...

I have gone spelunking, or cave exploring, exactly once in my life. And I wouldn’t even have gone that time except for friends’ reassurances about the expertise of our leader and their promises that there wouldn’t be too many tight spaces to make me feel claustrophobic. read more ...

I have gone spelunking, or cave exploring, exactly once in my life. And I wouldn’t even have gone that time except for friends’ reassurances about the expertise of our leader and their promises that there wouldn’t be too many tight spaces to make me feel claustrophobic. read more ...

I have gone spelunking, or cave exploring, exactly once in my life. And I wouldn’t even have gone that time except for friends’ reassurances about the expertise of our leader and their promises that there wouldn’t be too many tight spaces to make me feel claustrophobic. read more ...

At a funeral for a good friend of mine, a stuffed green Kermit the frog sat in a prominent place at the front of the church. To many people it might have looked out of place or even tacky, but to those who knew Scott best, that frog was a reminder of his humor, his wit, and his gifts in teaching and educating oth­ers. It aptly reflected Scott’s character and the things we appreciat­ed about him.  read more ...

At a funeral for a good friend of mine, a stuffed green Kermit the frog sat in a prominent place at the front of the church. To many people it might have looked out of place or even tacky, but to those who knew Scott best, that frog was a reminder of his humor, his wit, and his gifts in teaching and educating oth­ers. It aptly reflected Scott’s character and the things we appreciat­ed about him.  read more ...

At a funeral for a good friend of mine, a stuffed green Kermit the frog sat in a prominent place at the front of the church. To many people it might have looked out of place or even tacky, but to those who knew Scott best, that frog was a reminder of his humor, his wit, and his gifts in teaching and educating oth­ers. It aptly reflected Scott’s character and the things we appreciat­ed about him.  read more ...

At a funeral for a good friend of mine, a stuffed green Kermit the frog sat in a prominent place at the front of the church. To many people it might have looked out of place or even tacky, but to those who knew Scott best, that frog was a reminder of his humor, his wit, and his gifts in teaching and educating oth­ers. It aptly reflected Scott’s character and the things we appreciat­ed about him.  read more ...

At a funeral for a good friend of mine, a stuffed green Kermit the frog sat in a prominent place at the front of the church. To many people it might have looked out of place or even tacky, but to those who knew Scott best, that frog was a reminder of his humor, his wit, and his gifts in teaching and educating oth­ers. It aptly reflected Scott’s character and the things we appreciat­ed about him.  read more ...

Last fall in southern California, skies filled with smoke and an apocalyptic orange glow as wildfires raged in sever­al communities. Thousands lost homes to the fire, and many oth­ers were forced to evacuate. Victims tried to make sense of the seemingly random destruction caused by the fire. For some, it seemed as if it was not Wisdom but Folly that was present at the formation of the heavens and the earth.  read more ...

Last fall in southern California, skies filled with smoke and an apocalyptic orange glow as wildfires raged in sever­al communities. Thousands lost homes to the fire, and many oth­ers were forced to evacuate. Victims tried to make sense of the seemingly random destruction caused by the fire. For some, it seemed as if it was not Wisdom but Folly that was present at the formation of the heavens and the earth.  read more ...

Last fall in southern California, skies filled with smoke and an apocalyptic orange glow as wildfires raged in sever­al communities. Thousands lost homes to the fire, and many oth­ers were forced to evacuate. Victims tried to make sense of the seemingly random destruction caused by the fire. For some, it seemed as if it was not Wisdom but Folly that was present at the formation of the heavens and the earth.  read more ...

Last fall in southern California, skies filled with smoke and an apocalyptic orange glow as wildfires raged in sever­al communities. Thousands lost homes to the fire, and many oth­ers were forced to evacuate. Victims tried to make sense of the seemingly random destruction caused by the fire. For some, it seemed as if it was not Wisdom but Folly that was present at the formation of the heavens and the earth.  read more ...

Last fall in southern California, skies filled with smoke and an apocalyptic orange glow as wildfires raged in sever­al communities. Thousands lost homes to the fire, and many oth­ers were forced to evacuate. Victims tried to make sense of the seemingly random destruction caused by the fire. For some, it seemed as if it was not Wisdom but Folly that was present at the formation of the heavens and the earth.  read more ...

In today’s reading, God promises many good things for the people of Israel, who have been in exile in a foreign land. God brings them out of the darkness of their captivity and feeds them on their journey home. They are assured that neither the scorching wind nor the searing sun will strike them down (v. 10). In making these promises, God is like parents who are tightly bound in love to their children. read more ...

In today’s reading, God promises many good things for the people of Israel, who have been in exile in a foreign land. God brings them out of the darkness of their captivity and feeds them on their journey home. They are assured that neither the scorching wind nor the searing sun will strike them down (v. 10). In making these promises, God is like parents who are tightly bound in love to their children. read more ...

In today’s reading, God promises many good things for the people of Israel, who have been in exile in a foreign land. God brings them out of the darkness of their captivity and feeds them on their journey home. They are assured that neither the scorching wind nor the searing sun will strike them down (v. 10). In making these promises, God is like parents who are tightly bound in love to their children. read more ...

In today’s reading, God promises many good things for the people of Israel, who have been in exile in a foreign land. God brings them out of the darkness of their captivity and feeds them on their journey home. They are assured that neither the scorching wind nor the searing sun will strike them down (v. 10). In making these promises, God is like parents who are tightly bound in love to their children. read more ...

In today’s reading, God promises many good things for the people of Israel, who have been in exile in a foreign land. God brings them out of the darkness of their captivity and feeds them on their journey home. They are assured that neither the scorching wind nor the searing sun will strike them down (v. 10). In making these promises, God is like parents who are tightly bound in love to their children. read more ...

When our family moved to a new farm, we had to borrow to make the down payment. We had clearly felt God’s lead­ing in this venture, and we thought we were trusting God for our daily needs, but we still we had to watch every penny.  read more ...

When our family moved to a new farm, we had to borrow to make the down payment. We had clearly felt God’s lead­ing in this venture, and we thought we were trusting God for our daily needs, but we still we had to watch every penny.  read more ...

When our family moved to a new farm, we had to borrow to make the down payment. We had clearly felt God’s lead­ing in this venture, and we thought we were trusting God for our daily needs, but we still we had to watch every penny.  read more ...

When our family moved to a new farm, we had to borrow to make the down payment. We had clearly felt God’s lead­ing in this venture, and we thought we were trusting God for our daily needs, but we still we had to watch every penny.  read more ...

When our family moved to a new farm, we had to borrow to make the down payment. We had clearly felt God’s lead­ing in this venture, and we thought we were trusting God for our daily needs, but we still we had to watch every penny.  read more ...

Sometimes in my personal growth, I feel as though I am going in circles. I learn a lesson, continue the climb upward, then make another step forward, and suddenly realize, “I think I’ve been here before!” I wonder if the lesson has not been learned the first time.  read more ...

Sometimes in my personal growth, I feel as though I am going in circles. I learn a lesson, continue the climb upward, then make another step forward, and suddenly realize, “I think I’ve been here before!” I wonder if the lesson has not been learned the first time.  read more ...

Sometimes in my personal growth, I feel as though I am going in circles. I learn a lesson, continue the climb upward, then make another step forward, and suddenly realize, “I think I’ve been here before!” I wonder if the lesson has not been learned the first time.  read more ...

Sometimes in my personal growth, I feel as though I am going in circles. I learn a lesson, continue the climb upward, then make another step forward, and suddenly realize, “I think I’ve been here before!” I wonder if the lesson has not been learned the first time.  read more ...

Sometimes in my personal growth, I feel as though I am going in circles. I learn a lesson, continue the climb upward, then make another step forward, and suddenly realize, “I think I’ve been here before!” I wonder if the lesson has not been learned the first time.  read more ...

My husband’s comment after a meaningful devo­tional, Scripture, or hearty meal is often “Good stuff!” His enthu­siastic tone of voice speaks of genuine satisfaction and enjoyment— a need met, an appetite well filled. Whether it is a physical hunger or a spiritual yearning—I know by that tone and the look in his eyes that he has found deep delight in having the sustenance “hit the spot.”
 read more ...

My husband’s comment after a meaningful devo­tional, Scripture, or hearty meal is often “Good stuff!” His enthu­siastic tone of voice speaks of genuine satisfaction and enjoyment— a need met, an appetite well filled. Whether it is a physical hunger or a spiritual yearning—I know by that tone and the look in his eyes that he has found deep delight in having the sustenance “hit the spot.”
 read more ...

My husband’s comment after a meaningful devo­tional, Scripture, or hearty meal is often “Good stuff!” His enthu­siastic tone of voice speaks of genuine satisfaction and enjoyment— a need met, an appetite well filled. Whether it is a physical hunger or a spiritual yearning—I know by that tone and the look in his eyes that he has found deep delight in having the sustenance “hit the spot.”
 read more ...

My husband’s comment after a meaningful devo­tional, Scripture, or hearty meal is often “Good stuff!” His enthu­siastic tone of voice speaks of genuine satisfaction and enjoyment— a need met, an appetite well filled. Whether it is a physical hunger or a spiritual yearning—I know by that tone and the look in his eyes that he has found deep delight in having the sustenance “hit the spot.”
 read more ...

My husband’s comment after a meaningful devo­tional, Scripture, or hearty meal is often “Good stuff!” His enthu­siastic tone of voice speaks of genuine satisfaction and enjoyment— a need met, an appetite well filled. Whether it is a physical hunger or a spiritual yearning—I know by that tone and the look in his eyes that he has found deep delight in having the sustenance “hit the spot.”
 read more ...

How well I remember reading some obscure pas­sages in Paul’s writings when the Revised Standard Version first came out. I had struggled with these verses in the King James Version for a long time, but now they were suddenly clear. Not only did they make sense; they also applied readily to my own walk with Christ. Some even held precious promises I had missed in the beau­tiful but archaic 17th century English. What a wonderful revela­tion!  read more ...

How well I remember reading some obscure pas­sages in Paul’s writings when the Revised Standard Version first came out. I had struggled with these verses in the King James Version for a long time, but now they were suddenly clear. Not only did they make sense; they also applied readily to my own walk with Christ. Some even held precious promises I had missed in the beau­tiful but archaic 17th century English. What a wonderful revela­tion!  read more ...

How well I remember reading some obscure pas­sages in Paul’s writings when the Revised Standard Version first came out. I had struggled with these verses in the King James Version for a long time, but now they were suddenly clear. Not only did they make sense; they also applied readily to my own walk with Christ. Some even held precious promises I had missed in the beau­tiful but archaic 17th century English. What a wonderful revela­tion!  read more ...

How well I remember reading some obscure pas­sages in Paul’s writings when the Revised Standard Version first came out. I had struggled with these verses in the King James Version for a long time, but now they were suddenly clear. Not only did they make sense; they also applied readily to my own walk with Christ. Some even held precious promises I had missed in the beau­tiful but archaic 17th century English. What a wonderful revela­tion!  read more ...

How well I remember reading some obscure pas­sages in Paul’s writings when the Revised Standard Version first came out. I had struggled with these verses in the King James Version for a long time, but now they were suddenly clear. Not only did they make sense; they also applied readily to my own walk with Christ. Some even held precious promises I had missed in the beau­tiful but archaic 17th century English. What a wonderful revela­tion!  read more ...

The people of Israel, freshly returned from years of captivity in Babylon, are so eager to hear from God’s Word that they stand from early morning to midday to hear Ezra read it. For years, they have been deprived of the Scriptures; now they are espe­cially keen to hear them.  read more ...

The people of Israel, freshly returned from years of captivity in Babylon, are so eager to hear from God’s Word that they stand from early morning to midday to hear Ezra read it. For years, they have been deprived of the Scriptures; now they are espe­cially keen to hear them.  read more ...

The people of Israel, freshly returned from years of captivity in Babylon, are so eager to hear from God’s Word that they stand from early morning to midday to hear Ezra read it. For years, they have been deprived of the Scriptures; now they are espe­cially keen to hear them.  read more ...

The people of Israel, freshly returned from years of captivity in Babylon, are so eager to hear from God’s Word that they stand from early morning to midday to hear Ezra read it. For years, they have been deprived of the Scriptures; now they are espe­cially keen to hear them.  read more ...

The people of Israel, freshly returned from years of captivity in Babylon, are so eager to hear from God’s Word that they stand from early morning to midday to hear Ezra read it. For years, they have been deprived of the Scriptures; now they are espe­cially keen to hear them.  read more ...

This is a good word for Monday, the beginning of another workweek. Too often in my life, I have taken in the inspi­ration of a Sunday school lesson, the truth of a hymn or a sermon, only to forget about them the next day. I gear up for a regular week of my usual labors without putting into action the insights gained from that time of waiting on the Lord.  read more ...

This is a good word for Monday, the beginning of another workweek. Too often in my life, I have taken in the inspi­ration of a Sunday school lesson, the truth of a hymn or a sermon, only to forget about them the next day. I gear up for a regular week of my usual labors without putting into action the insights gained from that time of waiting on the Lord.  read more ...

This is a good word for Monday, the beginning of another workweek. Too often in my life, I have taken in the inspi­ration of a Sunday school lesson, the truth of a hymn or a sermon, only to forget about them the next day. I gear up for a regular week of my usual labors without putting into action the insights gained from that time of waiting on the Lord.  read more ...

This is a good word for Monday, the beginning of another workweek. Too often in my life, I have taken in the inspi­ration of a Sunday school lesson, the truth of a hymn or a sermon, only to forget about them the next day. I gear up for a regular week of my usual labors without putting into action the insights gained from that time of waiting on the Lord.  read more ...

This is a good word for Monday, the beginning of another workweek. Too often in my life, I have taken in the inspi­ration of a Sunday school lesson, the truth of a hymn or a sermon, only to forget about them the next day. I gear up for a regular week of my usual labors without putting into action the insights gained from that time of waiting on the Lord.  read more ...

As the young man emerged from the waters of bap­tism, he exclaimed: “Hallelujah, the work is done!” The minister replied: “O no, the work has just begun.”  read more ...

As the young man emerged from the waters of bap­tism, he exclaimed: “Hallelujah, the work is done!” The minister replied: “O no, the work has just begun.”  read more ...

As the young man emerged from the waters of bap­tism, he exclaimed: “Hallelujah, the work is done!” The minister replied: “O no, the work has just begun.”  read more ...

As the young man emerged from the waters of bap­tism, he exclaimed: “Hallelujah, the work is done!” The minister replied: “O no, the work has just begun.”  read more ...

As the young man emerged from the waters of bap­tism, he exclaimed: “Hallelujah, the work is done!” The minister replied: “O no, the work has just begun.”  read more ...

The last effort of the Roman Empire to stamp out orthodox Christianity ended in failure. Emperor Julian (AD 361­362) attempted a pagan revival, denying the Trinity, opening the old temples, and fostering the cult of the sun. In a battle against the Persians, Julian became the victim of an enemy spear. As he lay dying, the emperor is said to have opened his arms to the sky, exclaiming, “Galilean, you have conquered!”
 read more ...

The last effort of the Roman Empire to stamp out orthodox Christianity ended in failure. Emperor Julian (AD 361­362) attempted a pagan revival, denying the Trinity, opening the old temples, and fostering the cult of the sun. In a battle against the Persians, Julian became the victim of an enemy spear. As he lay dying, the emperor is said to have opened his arms to the sky, exclaiming, “Galilean, you have conquered!”
 read more ...

The last effort of the Roman Empire to stamp out orthodox Christianity ended in failure. Emperor Julian (AD 361­362) attempted a pagan revival, denying the Trinity, opening the old temples, and fostering the cult of the sun. In a battle against the Persians, Julian became the victim of an enemy spear. As he lay dying, the emperor is said to have opened his arms to the sky, exclaiming, “Galilean, you have conquered!”
 read more ...

The last effort of the Roman Empire to stamp out orthodox Christianity ended in failure. Emperor Julian (AD 361­362) attempted a pagan revival, denying the Trinity, opening the old temples, and fostering the cult of the sun. In a battle against the Persians, Julian became the victim of an enemy spear. As he lay dying, the emperor is said to have opened his arms to the sky, exclaiming, “Galilean, you have conquered!”
 read more ...

The last effort of the Roman Empire to stamp out orthodox Christianity ended in failure. Emperor Julian (AD 361­362) attempted a pagan revival, denying the Trinity, opening the old temples, and fostering the cult of the sun. In a battle against the Persians, Julian became the victim of an enemy spear. As he lay dying, the emperor is said to have opened his arms to the sky, exclaiming, “Galilean, you have conquered!”
 read more ...

According to one story, King George V once visited a British china factory. While viewing the delicate dishes, he picked up a saucer that had not yet fully dried, leaving his thumbprint on it. That unique item gained enormous worth because it had the imprint of a king on it. read more ...

According to one story, King George V once visited a British china factory. While viewing the delicate dishes, he picked up a saucer that had not yet fully dried, leaving his thumbprint on it. That unique item gained enormous worth because it had the imprint of a king on it. read more ...

According to one story, King George V once visited a British china factory. While viewing the delicate dishes, he picked up a saucer that had not yet fully dried, leaving his thumbprint on it. That unique item gained enormous worth because it had the imprint of a king on it. read more ...

According to one story, King George V once visited a British china factory. While viewing the delicate dishes, he picked up a saucer that had not yet fully dried, leaving his thumbprint on it. That unique item gained enormous worth because it had the imprint of a king on it. read more ...

According to one story, King George V once visited a British china factory. While viewing the delicate dishes, he picked up a saucer that had not yet fully dried, leaving his thumbprint on it. That unique item gained enormous worth because it had the imprint of a king on it. read more ...

The story of Nehemiah amply illustrates how great work for God will attract great opposition. Nehemiah’s enemies use deception to harm his cause. Their repeated invitation to a meeting is a smoke screen to get Nehemiah to step away from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah flatly refuses. Accomp­lishing his mission is more important than attending a meeting. read more ...

The story of Nehemiah amply illustrates how great work for God will attract great opposition. Nehemiah’s enemies use deception to harm his cause. Their repeated invitation to a meeting is a smoke screen to get Nehemiah to step away from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah flatly refuses. Accomp­lishing his mission is more important than attending a meeting. read more ...

The story of Nehemiah amply illustrates how great work for God will attract great opposition. Nehemiah’s enemies use deception to harm his cause. Their repeated invitation to a meeting is a smoke screen to get Nehemiah to step away from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah flatly refuses. Accomp­lishing his mission is more important than attending a meeting. read more ...

The story of Nehemiah amply illustrates how great work for God will attract great opposition. Nehemiah’s enemies use deception to harm his cause. Their repeated invitation to a meeting is a smoke screen to get Nehemiah to step away from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah flatly refuses. Accomp­lishing his mission is more important than attending a meeting. read more ...

The story of Nehemiah amply illustrates how great work for God will attract great opposition. Nehemiah’s enemies use deception to harm his cause. Their repeated invitation to a meeting is a smoke screen to get Nehemiah to step away from the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah flatly refuses. Accomp­lishing his mission is more important than attending a meeting. read more ...

Today the front page of our local paper bears the dramatic headline “Fraser River Rising Rapidly.” Accompanying pictures show a swollen river and a submerged road.  read more ...

Today the front page of our local paper bears the dramatic headline “Fraser River Rising Rapidly.” Accompanying pictures show a swollen river and a submerged road.  read more ...

Today the front page of our local paper bears the dramatic headline “Fraser River Rising Rapidly.” Accompanying pictures show a swollen river and a submerged road.  read more ...

Today the front page of our local paper bears the dramatic headline “Fraser River Rising Rapidly.” Accompanying pictures show a swollen river and a submerged road.  read more ...

Today the front page of our local paper bears the dramatic headline “Fraser River Rising Rapidly.” Accompanying pictures show a swollen river and a submerged road.  read more ...

It is a bad day for Nehemiah. His foes have again hurled insults at the builders of Jerusalem’s wall. A rumor is spread­ing that enemy armies are plotting full-scale battle. To top it off, Nehemiah’s best regiment, the Judeans, are threatening to revolt. “The job is too big, we’re too tired, the foundations are covered with too much rubble,” they complain. “We can’t work on the wall.” read more ...

It is a bad day for Nehemiah. His foes have again hurled insults at the builders of Jerusalem’s wall. A rumor is spread­ing that enemy armies are plotting full-scale battle. To top it off, Nehemiah’s best regiment, the Judeans, are threatening to revolt. “The job is too big, we’re too tired, the foundations are covered with too much rubble,” they complain. “We can’t work on the wall.” read more ...

It is a bad day for Nehemiah. His foes have again hurled insults at the builders of Jerusalem’s wall. A rumor is spread­ing that enemy armies are plotting full-scale battle. To top it off, Nehemiah’s best regiment, the Judeans, are threatening to revolt. “The job is too big, we’re too tired, the foundations are covered with too much rubble,” they complain. “We can’t work on the wall.” read more ...

It is a bad day for Nehemiah. His foes have again hurled insults at the builders of Jerusalem’s wall. A rumor is spread­ing that enemy armies are plotting full-scale battle. To top it off, Nehemiah’s best regiment, the Judeans, are threatening to revolt. “The job is too big, we’re too tired, the foundations are covered with too much rubble,” they complain. “We can’t work on the wall.” read more ...

It is a bad day for Nehemiah. His foes have again hurled insults at the builders of Jerusalem’s wall. A rumor is spread­ing that enemy armies are plotting full-scale battle. To top it off, Nehemiah’s best regiment, the Judeans, are threatening to revolt. “The job is too big, we’re too tired, the foundations are covered with too much rubble,” they complain. “We can’t work on the wall.” read more ...

“Get your golf clubs ready; your season is over!” That’s how a Vancouver Canuck player jeered at the Minnesota North Star bench in the second period of a National Hockey League playoff game that the Canucks led 3-1.The response was dramatic. Not only did the North Stars rally to win that game; they also went on to win the series.  read more ...

“Get your golf clubs ready; your season is over!” That’s how a Vancouver Canuck player jeered at the Minnesota North Star bench in the second period of a National Hockey League playoff game that the Canucks led 3-1.The response was dramatic. Not only did the North Stars rally to win that game; they also went on to win the series.  read more ...

“Get your golf clubs ready; your season is over!” That’s how a Vancouver Canuck player jeered at the Minnesota North Star bench in the second period of a National Hockey League playoff game that the Canucks led 3-1.The response was dramatic. Not only did the North Stars rally to win that game; they also went on to win the series.  read more ...

“Get your golf clubs ready; your season is over!” That’s how a Vancouver Canuck player jeered at the Minnesota North Star bench in the second period of a National Hockey League playoff game that the Canucks led 3-1.The response was dramatic. Not only did the North Stars rally to win that game; they also went on to win the series.  read more ...

“Get your golf clubs ready; your season is over!” That’s how a Vancouver Canuck player jeered at the Minnesota North Star bench in the second period of a National Hockey League playoff game that the Canucks led 3-1.The response was dramatic. Not only did the North Stars rally to win that game; they also went on to win the series.  read more ...

Jesus is supposedly dead. His body has disappeared. The Romans and the Jews are blaming the disciples. Their response is to go somewhere safe, lock the door, and stay there. read more ...

Jesus is supposedly dead. His body has disappeared. The Romans and the Jews are blaming the disciples. Their response is to go somewhere safe, lock the door, and stay there. read more ...

Jesus is supposedly dead. His body has disappeared. The Romans and the Jews are blaming the disciples. Their response is to go somewhere safe, lock the door, and stay there. read more ...

Jesus is supposedly dead. His body has disappeared. The Romans and the Jews are blaming the disciples. Their response is to go somewhere safe, lock the door, and stay there. read more ...

Jesus is supposedly dead. His body has disappeared. The Romans and the Jews are blaming the disciples. Their response is to go somewhere safe, lock the door, and stay there. read more ...

My niece, Matia, has always known exactly what she wants and makes it very clear to everyone. Once, when I was babysitting her and her brothers, she did something that made me laugh. “Matia,” I said to the girl, who was then three, “you’re cute.” She looked at me with a frown and replied, “I NOT cute. I Tia.” It became a popular game for her brothers to tell her she was a sister or daughter, nice or pretty, and then wait for her frowning, hands-on-hips response, “I Tia.”  read more ...

My niece, Matia, has always known exactly what she wants and makes it very clear to everyone. Once, when I was babysitting her and her brothers, she did something that made me laugh. “Matia,” I said to the girl, who was then three, “you’re cute.” She looked at me with a frown and replied, “I NOT cute. I Tia.” It became a popular game for her brothers to tell her she was a sister or daughter, nice or pretty, and then wait for her frowning, hands-on-hips response, “I Tia.”  read more ...

My niece, Matia, has always known exactly what she wants and makes it very clear to everyone. Once, when I was babysitting her and her brothers, she did something that made me laugh. “Matia,” I said to the girl, who was then three, “you’re cute.” She looked at me with a frown and replied, “I NOT cute. I Tia.” It became a popular game for her brothers to tell her she was a sister or daughter, nice or pretty, and then wait for her frowning, hands-on-hips response, “I Tia.”  read more ...

My niece, Matia, has always known exactly what she wants and makes it very clear to everyone. Once, when I was babysitting her and her brothers, she did something that made me laugh. “Matia,” I said to the girl, who was then three, “you’re cute.” She looked at me with a frown and replied, “I NOT cute. I Tia.” It became a popular game for her brothers to tell her she was a sister or daughter, nice or pretty, and then wait for her frowning, hands-on-hips response, “I Tia.”  read more ...

My niece, Matia, has always known exactly what she wants and makes it very clear to everyone. Once, when I was babysitting her and her brothers, she did something that made me laugh. “Matia,” I said to the girl, who was then three, “you’re cute.” She looked at me with a frown and replied, “I NOT cute. I Tia.” It became a popular game for her brothers to tell her she was a sister or daughter, nice or pretty, and then wait for her frowning, hands-on-hips response, “I Tia.”  read more ...

Every week I lead a prayer group for women. We are fortunate to have several preschool children who attend with their mothers. As I watch the children interact with the adults, I am often reminded of important things that we, as Christians, need to keep in mind.  read more ...

Every week I lead a prayer group for women. We are fortunate to have several preschool children who attend with their mothers. As I watch the children interact with the adults, I am often reminded of important things that we, as Christians, need to keep in mind.  read more ...

Every week I lead a prayer group for women. We are fortunate to have several preschool children who attend with their mothers. As I watch the children interact with the adults, I am often reminded of important things that we, as Christians, need to keep in mind.  read more ...

Every week I lead a prayer group for women. We are fortunate to have several preschool children who attend with their mothers. As I watch the children interact with the adults, I am often reminded of important things that we, as Christians, need to keep in mind.  read more ...

Every week I lead a prayer group for women. We are fortunate to have several preschool children who attend with their mothers. As I watch the children interact with the adults, I am often reminded of important things that we, as Christians, need to keep in mind.  read more ...

There are many times when, like the psalmist, I pray for strength. God always answers my prayer, sometimes in unusu­al ways. One such answer came the other day.  read more ...

There are many times when, like the psalmist, I pray for strength. God always answers my prayer, sometimes in unusu­al ways. One such answer came the other day.  read more ...

There are many times when, like the psalmist, I pray for strength. God always answers my prayer, sometimes in unusu­al ways. One such answer came the other day.  read more ...

There are many times when, like the psalmist, I pray for strength. God always answers my prayer, sometimes in unusu­al ways. One such answer came the other day.  read more ...

There are many times when, like the psalmist, I pray for strength. God always answers my prayer, sometimes in unusu­al ways. One such answer came the other day.  read more ...

Recently, a young father in our congregation was diagnosed with cancer. He has an 18-month-old son, his wife is pregnant, and they recently bought a new house. When our con­gregation heard the news, we were in shock. How could something like this happen? We wept and prayed for his healing. But, like Nehemiah, we didn’t stop there. read more ...

Recently, a young father in our congregation was diagnosed with cancer. He has an 18-month-old son, his wife is pregnant, and they recently bought a new house. When our con­gregation heard the news, we were in shock. How could something like this happen? We wept and prayed for his healing. But, like Nehemiah, we didn’t stop there. read more ...

Recently, a young father in our congregation was diagnosed with cancer. He has an 18-month-old son, his wife is pregnant, and they recently bought a new house. When our con­gregation heard the news, we were in shock. How could something like this happen? We wept and prayed for his healing. But, like Nehemiah, we didn’t stop there. read more ...

Recently, a young father in our congregation was diagnosed with cancer. He has an 18-month-old son, his wife is pregnant, and they recently bought a new house. When our con­gregation heard the news, we were in shock. How could something like this happen? We wept and prayed for his healing. But, like Nehemiah, we didn’t stop there. read more ...

Recently, a young father in our congregation was diagnosed with cancer. He has an 18-month-old son, his wife is pregnant, and they recently bought a new house. When our con­gregation heard the news, we were in shock. How could something like this happen? We wept and prayed for his healing. But, like Nehemiah, we didn’t stop there. read more ...

In the month following the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, attendance at religious services shot up. Religious leaders of all faiths spoke of a spiritual awakening in the United States. Within two months of the tragedy, however, attendance was back to pretragedy levels. read more ...

In the month following the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, attendance at religious services shot up. Religious leaders of all faiths spoke of a spiritual awakening in the United States. Within two months of the tragedy, however, attendance was back to pretragedy levels. read more ...

In the month following the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, attendance at religious services shot up. Religious leaders of all faiths spoke of a spiritual awakening in the United States. Within two months of the tragedy, however, attendance was back to pretragedy levels. read more ...

In the month following the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, attendance at religious services shot up. Religious leaders of all faiths spoke of a spiritual awakening in the United States. Within two months of the tragedy, however, attendance was back to pretragedy levels. read more ...

In the month following the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, attendance at religious services shot up. Religious leaders of all faiths spoke of a spiritual awakening in the United States. Within two months of the tragedy, however, attendance was back to pretragedy levels. read more ...

Our congregation’s beautiful new building has become my bane. I’m probably the only one who longs for the old warehouse sanctuary instead of this spacious megachurch. Three years after its completion, when visitors praise its beauty, my lips stiffen and I mumble some excuse about not being used to it yet. read more ...

Our congregation’s beautiful new building has become my bane. I’m probably the only one who longs for the old warehouse sanctuary instead of this spacious megachurch. Three years after its completion, when visitors praise its beauty, my lips stiffen and I mumble some excuse about not being used to it yet. read more ...

Our congregation’s beautiful new building has become my bane. I’m probably the only one who longs for the old warehouse sanctuary instead of this spacious megachurch. Three years after its completion, when visitors praise its beauty, my lips stiffen and I mumble some excuse about not being used to it yet. read more ...

Our congregation’s beautiful new building has become my bane. I’m probably the only one who longs for the old warehouse sanctuary instead of this spacious megachurch. Three years after its completion, when visitors praise its beauty, my lips stiffen and I mumble some excuse about not being used to it yet. read more ...

Our congregation’s beautiful new building has become my bane. I’m probably the only one who longs for the old warehouse sanctuary instead of this spacious megachurch. Three years after its completion, when visitors praise its beauty, my lips stiffen and I mumble some excuse about not being used to it yet. read more ...

Two and a half million dollars! After a decade of planning for a church expansion project, including some false starts, it seemed inconceivable that our congregation, with a mem­bership of around 350, could swing an addition of such great cost. Even $1.5 million sounded like too much, with the memory of a burdensome debt from the last building project still on our minds. We agreed that the need was great, but how were we going to get around yet another formidable obstacle?  read more ...

Two and a half million dollars! After a decade of planning for a church expansion project, including some false starts, it seemed inconceivable that our congregation, with a mem­bership of around 350, could swing an addition of such great cost. Even $1.5 million sounded like too much, with the memory of a burdensome debt from the last building project still on our minds. We agreed that the need was great, but how were we going to get around yet another formidable obstacle?  read more ...

Two and a half million dollars! After a decade of planning for a church expansion project, including some false starts, it seemed inconceivable that our congregation, with a mem­bership of around 350, could swing an addition of such great cost. Even $1.5 million sounded like too much, with the memory of a burdensome debt from the last building project still on our minds. We agreed that the need was great, but how were we going to get around yet another formidable obstacle?  read more ...

Two and a half million dollars! After a decade of planning for a church expansion project, including some false starts, it seemed inconceivable that our congregation, with a mem­bership of around 350, could swing an addition of such great cost. Even $1.5 million sounded like too much, with the memory of a burdensome debt from the last building project still on our minds. We agreed that the need was great, but how were we going to get around yet another formidable obstacle?  read more ...

Two and a half million dollars! After a decade of planning for a church expansion project, including some false starts, it seemed inconceivable that our congregation, with a mem­bership of around 350, could swing an addition of such great cost. Even $1.5 million sounded like too much, with the memory of a burdensome debt from the last building project still on our minds. We agreed that the need was great, but how were we going to get around yet another formidable obstacle?  read more ...

Today’s story of Haggai story reminds me of a Keith Green song based on Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who try at all, doing anything not accord­ing to his call.”  read more ...

Today’s story of Haggai story reminds me of a Keith Green song based on Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who try at all, doing anything not accord­ing to his call.”  read more ...

Today’s story of Haggai story reminds me of a Keith Green song based on Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who try at all, doing anything not accord­ing to his call.”  read more ...

Today’s story of Haggai story reminds me of a Keith Green song based on Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who try at all, doing anything not accord­ing to his call.”  read more ...

Today’s story of Haggai story reminds me of a Keith Green song based on Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who try at all, doing anything not accord­ing to his call.”  read more ...

We all know the problem of not being able to be at two places at the same time. Jesus certainly experienced that. If only a few of the 250 million people of the world at his time saw and heard him, what chance would we have today, with a population of over six billion? read more ...

We all know the problem of not being able to be at two places at the same time. Jesus certainly experienced that. If only a few of the 250 million people of the world at his time saw and heard him, what chance would we have today, with a population of over six billion? read more ...

We all know the problem of not being able to be at two places at the same time. Jesus certainly experienced that. If only a few of the 250 million people of the world at his time saw and heard him, what chance would we have today, with a population of over six billion? read more ...

We all know the problem of not being able to be at two places at the same time. Jesus certainly experienced that. If only a few of the 250 million people of the world at his time saw and heard him, what chance would we have today, with a population of over six billion? read more ...

We all know the problem of not being able to be at two places at the same time. Jesus certainly experienced that. If only a few of the 250 million people of the world at his time saw and heard him, what chance would we have today, with a population of over six billion? read more ...

When I stood before Judge Burges in Manchester, England, I wanted to laugh because of the “mop” on his head. I had come to England as a Mennonite Central Committee volun­teer, to work with war victims during World War II. When the draft caught up with me and I refused, I landed in court. The prosecut­ing attorney pushed hard, saying that we needed to win this war, I would be trained, and I should enlist. read more ...

When I stood before Judge Burges in Manchester, England, I wanted to laugh because of the “mop” on his head. I had come to England as a Mennonite Central Committee volun­teer, to work with war victims during World War II. When the draft caught up with me and I refused, I landed in court. The prosecut­ing attorney pushed hard, saying that we needed to win this war, I would be trained, and I should enlist. read more ...

When I stood before Judge Burges in Manchester, England, I wanted to laugh because of the “mop” on his head. I had come to England as a Mennonite Central Committee volun­teer, to work with war victims during World War II. When the draft caught up with me and I refused, I landed in court. The prosecut­ing attorney pushed hard, saying that we needed to win this war, I would be trained, and I should enlist. read more ...

When I stood before Judge Burges in Manchester, England, I wanted to laugh because of the “mop” on his head. I had come to England as a Mennonite Central Committee volun­teer, to work with war victims during World War II. When the draft caught up with me and I refused, I landed in court. The prosecut­ing attorney pushed hard, saying that we needed to win this war, I would be trained, and I should enlist. read more ...

When I stood before Judge Burges in Manchester, England, I wanted to laugh because of the “mop” on his head. I had come to England as a Mennonite Central Committee volun­teer, to work with war victims during World War II. When the draft caught up with me and I refused, I landed in court. The prosecut­ing attorney pushed hard, saying that we needed to win this war, I would be trained, and I should enlist. read more ...

Elfrieda, my wife, was the only escort on the ill-fated ship, the Charlton Monarch, which took 758 Mennonite refugees from Europe to South America after World War II. Two earlier ships had taken 15 and 21 days to complete the journey, but this ship took seven weeks. The engines didn’t work, the crew rebelled, and the captain locked himself in his cabin with a revolver at his side. After drifting for some time they were towed to shore in Recife, Brazil, thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, their destina­tion.  read more ...

Elfrieda, my wife, was the only escort on the ill-fated ship, the Charlton Monarch, which took 758 Mennonite refugees from Europe to South America after World War II. Two earlier ships had taken 15 and 21 days to complete the journey, but this ship took seven weeks. The engines didn’t work, the crew rebelled, and the captain locked himself in his cabin with a revolver at his side. After drifting for some time they were towed to shore in Recife, Brazil, thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, their destina­tion.  read more ...

Elfrieda, my wife, was the only escort on the ill-fated ship, the Charlton Monarch, which took 758 Mennonite refugees from Europe to South America after World War II. Two earlier ships had taken 15 and 21 days to complete the journey, but this ship took seven weeks. The engines didn’t work, the crew rebelled, and the captain locked himself in his cabin with a revolver at his side. After drifting for some time they were towed to shore in Recife, Brazil, thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, their destina­tion.  read more ...

Elfrieda, my wife, was the only escort on the ill-fated ship, the Charlton Monarch, which took 758 Mennonite refugees from Europe to South America after World War II. Two earlier ships had taken 15 and 21 days to complete the journey, but this ship took seven weeks. The engines didn’t work, the crew rebelled, and the captain locked himself in his cabin with a revolver at his side. After drifting for some time they were towed to shore in Recife, Brazil, thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, their destina­tion.  read more ...

Elfrieda, my wife, was the only escort on the ill-fated ship, the Charlton Monarch, which took 758 Mennonite refugees from Europe to South America after World War II. Two earlier ships had taken 15 and 21 days to complete the journey, but this ship took seven weeks. The engines didn’t work, the crew rebelled, and the captain locked himself in his cabin with a revolver at his side. After drifting for some time they were towed to shore in Recife, Brazil, thousands of miles from Buenos Aires, their destina­tion.  read more ...

Following World War II, I interviewed German-speaking refugees seeking to immigrate to Paraguay. One inter­viewee, after he was safely in Paraguay, confessed to the church, to the Mennonite Central Committee, and to me that he had lied in the interview. He asked us to forgive him, and we all did.
 read more ...

Following World War II, I interviewed German-speaking refugees seeking to immigrate to Paraguay. One inter­viewee, after he was safely in Paraguay, confessed to the church, to the Mennonite Central Committee, and to me that he had lied in the interview. He asked us to forgive him, and we all did.
 read more ...

Following World War II, I interviewed German-speaking refugees seeking to immigrate to Paraguay. One inter­viewee, after he was safely in Paraguay, confessed to the church, to the Mennonite Central Committee, and to me that he had lied in the interview. He asked us to forgive him, and we all did.
 read more ...

Following World War II, I interviewed German-speaking refugees seeking to immigrate to Paraguay. One inter­viewee, after he was safely in Paraguay, confessed to the church, to the Mennonite Central Committee, and to me that he had lied in the interview. He asked us to forgive him, and we all did.
 read more ...

Following World War II, I interviewed German-speaking refugees seeking to immigrate to Paraguay. One inter­viewee, after he was safely in Paraguay, confessed to the church, to the Mennonite Central Committee, and to me that he had lied in the interview. He asked us to forgive him, and we all did.
 read more ...

When young children are fighting, a parent might put each one into a corner of the room until they are ready to say that they are sorry. It seems so simple: say the words, show that you really are sorry, and everything is okay. How long will they refuse? And why?  read more ...

When young children are fighting, a parent might put each one into a corner of the room until they are ready to say that they are sorry. It seems so simple: say the words, show that you really are sorry, and everything is okay. How long will they refuse? And why?  read more ...

When young children are fighting, a parent might put each one into a corner of the room until they are ready to say that they are sorry. It seems so simple: say the words, show that you really are sorry, and everything is okay. How long will they refuse? And why?  read more ...

When young children are fighting, a parent might put each one into a corner of the room until they are ready to say that they are sorry. It seems so simple: say the words, show that you really are sorry, and everything is okay. How long will they refuse? And why?  read more ...

When young children are fighting, a parent might put each one into a corner of the room until they are ready to say that they are sorry. It seems so simple: say the words, show that you really are sorry, and everything is okay. How long will they refuse? And why?  read more ...

The eyes of [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. —Genesis 3:7  read more ...

The eyes of [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. —Genesis 3:7  read more ...

The eyes of [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. —Genesis 3:7  read more ...

The eyes of [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. —Genesis 3:7  read more ...

The eyes of [Adam and Eve] were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. —Genesis 3:7  read more ...