Before the pastor took the pulpit, a striking video with the song “America the Beautiful” filled the sanctuary’s giant screens. As the glorious soprano voice sang the patriotic song, various shots of America’s vast landscape and well-known landmarks appeared, together with pictures of our beautifully diverse population. One congregant rose, then another, and before the first chorus reached its climax, the entire congregation stood in honor of our great nation. Tears filled my eyes. My mind Continue Reading
The Voice of Hope {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Maybe you're familiar with the voice of reason. The adage means a person’s communication toward a particular issue is level-headed and reasonable. Or, the voice of truth. Also a song title for the Christian band, Casting Crowns. For believers, the voice of truth comes directly from God and His Word. Another voice comes directly from God's Word. So let me introduce you to the voice of Hope. I pray we listen carefully to her words. And we welcome Hope’s message into our heart to live Continue Reading
Earthly Fathers Shape our View of God {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
I recently read a story published in Homemade magazine in 1999 that serves as an excellent illustration of the importance of a father’s influence in a child’s life. The story is about a young man who committed a crime and was sentenced by a judge who happened to know him since childhood. The judge was acquainted with the man’s father, who was also a famous magistrate and legal scholar who authored an exhaustive legal study. “Do you remember your father?” asked the judge. “I remember him Continue Reading
A Delightful Way to Stop Fretting {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
A friend recently remarked, “I’m starting my morning wondering what new loss or bad news the day will bring.” 2020 has punched many people in the gut. Has a long battle or diet of bad news caused you to fret? Whether your enemy is physical, emotional, or spiritual, I have good news. You have help! Scripture reminds us God is our strength and deliverer. No enemy can defeat Him. He doesn’t expect us to rescue ourselves from trouble. He will save us. But—we have a role to play. If you aren’t Continue Reading
Grace to Those We Disagree With
I recently came across an illustration about patience and long-suffering that gave me great pause. According to a supposedly traditional Hebrew story, Abraham was sitting outside his tent one evening when a weary old traveler walked by. The old man looked tired and hungry from a long journey. Abraham rushed out to help the stranger, inviting him into his tent. There he washed the man’s feet and gave him food and drink. Without hesitation, the old traveler began eating his food before Continue Reading
Why Did You Bring Me Here, God? {Recharge Wednesday}
I remember the excitement when the phone call came. “We just have to finalize it, but you can schedule that moving truck,” the Midwestern man’s voice exclaimed. Expectantly, we did. We waited. But the paperwork never arrived. Weeks later, the same voice apologized on the phone. Unforeseen circumstances arose. The position was canceled. We’re weren’t moving to Iowa. We were moving, though… we had to. We waited. Living out of suitcases at my in-laws’ house, we sought work. We Continue Reading
