“But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”  1 Peter 1:15-16 Classical Christian writers often focused on the matter of holiness and the Spirit-filled life, but we seldom dwell on the issues of a sanctified life. […]

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.”  Ephesians 4:1 Everyday we should practice being aware of the question of whether or not the life we live is consistent with what we confess to believe. I grew up hearing […]

“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11 The world makes a big deal of Christmas, but only Christians can truly celebrate Easter. Granted, […]

“The whole crowd began to praise God joyfully…‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.”  Luke 19:37-38 Celebration of Palm Sunday was a wonderful worship experience. Attendance was good, the sermon began to focus our thinking on the significance of the Passion Week. A special music presentation by the choir and […]

“The days of our years are three score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years…for as soon as it is cut off, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 (KJV) Tomorrow is another birthday. They seem to come more often as the years flow by faster and faster. I thought […]

“Do not be deceived. God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 When will we ever learn that there are consequences to our actions whether good or bad? The cause and effect of what we do is inevitable. Is our human nature so stupid as to think […]

“And you shall seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 29:14 While traveling back to our missionary roots in Indonesia earlier this month, I used stories of our field experiences in sharing a devotional time each night […]

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 We recently traveled back to Indonesia with our daughter’s family to introduce her husband and children to her roots there. Along the way we recalled stories and experiences during our nightly devotionals about the years of missionary service in the […]

“Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You….I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:1, 8 A refuge is a place of safety, somewhere we can feel secure. Birds seek refuge in their nests, something often used as an analogy of […]

“Lord, how long will you continually forget me? How long will you hide your face from me?  Psalm 13:1 It is the unusual person who does not go through times of despair. Plans have gone awry. Having lost a job, subsequent employment is elusive and financial stability begins to unravel. Parents despair in cultivating appropriate […]