It's the middle of the night. You're in a dark forest, so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. There are others. Family, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, people you don’t know and some you don’t particularly like. You can't see them, but they...
"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay...
To walk on water. Our reaction to these words is a good measure of where we are with God. It can't be done: Faith and trust are absent, we stand alone. For Jesus, not me: Faith is present but trust is lacking, we see God, but in the distance. I can if He calls me:...
Who bear the deepest misery inside? Who know the greatest emptiness? Those who claim that Jesus lied and choose a life that's meaningless. Each Good Friday I leave the busy-ness of life and seek a place where I can reflect on Jesus, His death, the resurrection, and...
Years ago there was a television show called Cheers. Much of its popularity had to do with the idea that regardless of what might be happening in the characters' lives, good or bad, these people had a place to go where they could be with friends. The show's opening...
The past few weeks have been difficult. It began when I stood up after eating and immediately doubled over in pain. Then, while driving from church, my daughter hit a deer. My older son learned the store where he works is closing. And my younger son had his wallet...
Is a wind still a wind when not a breeze will blow? Is a stream still a stream when its waters cease to flow? Is a fire still a fire when there's nothing left to burn? Is the wise still the wise when they never want to learn? Here's a universal truth. No one likes to...
Once upon a time, a fellow (we'll call Mike) took his young daughter, son, two nephews and a niece to a place high on a mountain. Its treeless top was covered with green grass, and they could see surrounding mountains for many a mile. Suddenly Mike spread his arms,...
I've had a frustrating week. Each week, after hours of research, preparation, several drafts and revisions, our Notes hit the Internet, heading toward friends scattered about the world. And many return unread. Why? Spam filters. They're designed to look for words...
It all comes down to the child. A recent news report showed certain churches adding a different service to their Christmas celebrations. Called a "Blue Christmas Service", it offers a special time to those who are in grief and mourning, who are lonely and hurting,...