A bit over a week ago I attended a Celebration of Life service for my neighbor. We had not only been neighbors for over 20 years but had developed a deep friendship. He struggled with cancer that finally took him from us. The time we spent at this service was a celebration. Many … [Read more…]
My parents lived in the same house for 53 years. My dad built it himself, much of it from lumber gleaned from tearing down an old barn. It was small, but functional. It was not the fanciest house in the area, but it was home. It was the only house I lived in from … [Read more…]
We are nearing the end of our discussion of the gifts God gives us at the time of our salvation as recorded in the first two chapters of Ephesians. The fact that this study has gone for as many weeks as it has demonstrated the level of God’s grace poured out through a simple … [Read more…]
Although the NIV of the Bible does not use the word “saint” but has chosen the term, “God’s people”, I have placed the word in the title because this is the literal translation. Unfortunately, people will not often accept this designation for their position before God because of a misunderstanding and misuse of the … [Read more…]
In 1997, I was given the opportunity to lead a small group of youth pastors on a mission trip to India. We visited Calcutta, New Deli, and Agra, where we spent time in the Taj Mahal. But our mission was in the small village of Raghunathpur. This was my first international mission trip and … [Read more…]
This is a word we do not use a lot in our average day. However, it is one of the most important spiritual concepts we have in understanding who we are in Christ as new creations. I do not mean to be flippant, but one of the ways we use the term that … [Read more…]
In the classic film, “The Wizard of Oz”, there are many improbable, yet memorable scenes. By today’s standards, the special effects were a bit hokey. However, there is one part that stands out for its surprise factor and eventual humor. As Dorothy and her ragtag entourage enter the Emerald City, they are met with … [Read more…]
Peace is a word that has taken on a variety of meanings, some of which have been confusing. I grew up in the 1960’s and 70’s. The Cold War and its potential dangers were on the minds of most Americans. The Vietnam War was raging with daily updates of the lives lost. Many people … [Read more…]
My daughter has a small dog that is 14 years old. For his age, he is relatively active and healthy except for one thing, he is totally blind. This is not a huge problem for him most of the time. He knows how to find his food and water and if things are not … [Read more…]
Last week, we discussed that we are God’s workmanship or his masterpiece. This is because we are created in the image of God. When sin stained that image, Jesus provided redemption through the shedding of his blood to restore us to perfection in God’s eyes. By a simple act of our faith, we have … [Read more…]