Saints-in-Waiting To the church that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus … Continue reading Saints-in-Waiting
Old Prayers
Old Prayers There was a tree at the center of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew strong, its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the ends of the whole earth. Its foliage was beautiful, its fruit abundant, and it provided food for all. The animals of the field … Continue reading Old Prayers
A Divine Spark
A Divine Spark “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11 There is a divine spark within each of us. It burned before … Continue reading A Divine Spark
Resurrection
Resurrection And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5 Lately, I have been contemplating resurrection. Among the images conjured up by the word are revival, rejuvenation, and rebirth. Earlier this week, I got a call from a police detective. He was at my brother’s … Continue reading Resurrection
Mud and Spit
Mud and Spit When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.” Then he went and washed and came back able to see. John 9:6-7 Two naturally occurring substances … Continue reading Mud and Spit
Getting Here
Getting Here Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you. … Continue reading Getting Here
Cures That Do Not Heal
Cures That Do not Heal Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Matthew 10:8 On the afternoons of my recent mission trip to Honduras, several of us led Vacation Bible School for the kids. It was a blessing to have fun with … Continue reading Cures That Do Not Heal
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 3
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 3 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish, but you will not always have me. Mark 14:7 I live a fortunate and blessed life. I have never had to worry about where my next meal would come from … Continue reading The Desperation of Poverty, Part 3
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 2
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 2 For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10 During my recent trip to Honduras, a line from the movie Still Alice lingered in … Continue reading The Desperation of Poverty, Part 2
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 1
The Desperation of Poverty, Part 1 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Luke 6:20-21 As I prepared … Continue reading The Desperation of Poverty, Part 1
Contemplating Grace 