There’s something about an impending thunderstorm that heightens the senses. The atmosphere stills as the metallic scent of ozone charges the air. Grass and overhanging branches weighed down with leaves suddenly turn a more vibrant green against the dark grey sky. Lightning forks across the clouds, then the wind churns…
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). How many times as a child did I hear my mom quote this scripture? In our house, it was said so often we all knew it by…
Raised in a pastor’s home, I was taught to always give thanks, trust God for everything, and pray about everything. Here is my personal story. While in my thirties, I suffered terrible depression. I didn’t realize at the time what it was or how bad it was. I didn’t want…
I grew up in Missouri, USA, where our state motto is “Show Me.” Often when people tell us something, we Missourians will joke, “Show me!” In other words, we want proof that it’s true. I like proof; I like having an assurance that things are going to be fine. I’d…
“Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” (Psalm 144: 1). For a period of fifteen years, I worked for the school system. One of the roles I had to perform was being part of the school’s Safety Team. With…
Not too many of us enjoy waiting, especially if we are on time and someone else is late. The longer we wait, the more frustrated we get, because we are not doing anything except waiting. Have you ever been tired of waiting on the Lord? He’s promised an answer, but…
Don’t you love a great story? The best stories – at least to me – have a fair maiden, a swashbuckling hero, and, of course, an evil villain. What makes it interesting? It’s the conflict between those characters. Without conflict, there is no story. The writer lets the characters battle through their struggles, knowing that the “happily ever after” will ultimately arrive. It’s all part of…
Sermons have been preached, lessons written and theological arguments expounded about the woman with “the issue of blood” (Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48). What was the problem? What made Jesus know that “virtue had gone out of Him”? What did that mean? What was different about her touch versus the touch…
I don’t like to compare ourselves with others; the Bible even teaches us this is a foolish thing to do. However, I do believe we can learn from others. I have personally learned leadership principles from those with whom I don’t agree doctrinally. With that said, I want to take…