Growing up with siblings can be fun. Brothers and sisters can create good memories. Things like family vacations, playing in the backyard, watching movies, building forts in the basement and snowmen outside are all things that make having siblings fun. It is easy to love our brothers and sisters in moments like those....
“I just can’t believe how many broken people are in my congregation.” That’s how one pastor evaluated the people under his care. Yes, some areas of the world or some congregations may seem more broken than others. But the fact that people are broken shouldn’t be surprising....
Stephen has the distinction of being the first Christian martyr. Illegally arrested, tried, and convicted by enemies of the Christian Church, Stephen was dragged outside the city of Jerusalem and pummeled with stones until he died....
Duct tape is a wonderful thing. It’s can repair shoes, furniture, boxes, appliances, and even cars. But after a while, there are just some items that are too broken to be fixed. Not even duct tape can do the job. This world is broken. Broken relationships. Broken people. And yes, our Savior Jesus overcomes the world....
What is your favorite way to picture Jesus? Is it baby Jesus lying in a manger? Miraculous Jesus walking on water? Loving Jesus sacrificing his life on the cross? Victorious Jesus exiting a tomb? Many biblical pictures of Jesus may bring us comfort at various times of our lives. When I am troubled by my sins, the image of Christ paying the price on the cross brings relief. ...
“The doctor needs to see you as soon as possible. Can you come in today?” Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of that phone call. But it’s a phone call that must take place. If you are diagnosed with some illness that requires immediate attention, you don’t want the doctor to keep it a secret and to wait until your next visit. Not only do you appreciate the immediate attention, but you also appreciate that the doctor wants to have the conversation in person. It demonstrates care and concern....
This chapter of the book of Ezekiel sounds like a spooky story. The Spirit of God leads the prophet Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones. But these aren’t animal bones; they’re human bones. Femurs, rib cages, vertebrae, and skulls—these bones were lifeless and dry....
If you’ve ever walked through a busy international airport terminal, you’ve been bombarded with the discord of multiple foreign languages. The words you cannot understand sound like gibberish. And when you hear your native tongue, it is a welcome relief....
Little children like to run everywhere. It doesn’t matter how short the distance. It can simply be from one side of the room to the other. The three-year-old is more than likely going to run that distance....
If you’ve ever tried walking around wearing a blindfold, you know it’s not easy. Even familiar places, like your house or room, are suddenly shrouded in darkness. You gingerly take small steps with arms out in front of you, trying not to walk into anything....