The joyful pictures of the last twenty Israeli hostages reunited with their families bring tears to my eyes. Imagine being violently kidnapped during a barbaric killing spree that targeted women and children. For more than two years, you live in darkness—unsure if you will ever see the light of day again, wondering if you will…Read more Tears of Joy and Grief
joy
Our Vision Sustains Us: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer Surgery
Hi Family, My recovery from cancer surgery is moving along slowly but steadily. At times I want to press ahead more quickly, but my doctors, nurses, and therapists remind me that healing takes patience. What keeps me anchored in this season is a vision God gave Becky and me many years ago. I remember it…Read more Our Vision Sustains Us: A Pastor’s Recovery from Cancer Surgery
The Wonder of Surrender
“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.” Jim Elliot, https://elisabethelliot.org/tribute-to-elisabeth/ Each time I preach, I offer to pray with people who want to surrender their lives to Christ. A part of my prayer always includes, “as much as I know how, I…Read more The Wonder of Surrender
Future World
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV) Psalm 23 was the second passage of Scripture that I memorized as a child of six. The first was Psalm 100. Memorizing those two passages early in life shaped my life. I've never doubted that God was my shepherd. I have always enjoyed thinking and…Read more Future World
Alive to Wonder
On a cold, and unusually clear night in the suburbs, Becky and I gazed in the night sky at distant planets and constellations. The app on our phone helped us identify stars and planets with some information about each. Learning only increased our wonder at the heavenly display of God’s glory. Our children were constantly…Read more Alive to Wonder
Masterpiece
There is a warm memory in my mind of preaching after our first son's birth at a beautiful church campground in Florida, called Masterpiece Gardens. I remember doing a morning prayer walk with my heart full of praise for our first child and God's intention for his life. I would gaze on my wife singing…Read more Masterpiece
Sunday, Day of Joy
Sunday, happens between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The people of God gather in glorious praise from generation to generation to worship the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. This is a day of eternal priceless joy. The “joy of the Lord” is our strength and the Gospel is “good news of great joy.” (See Nehemiah…Read more Sunday, Day of Joy
The Serious Business of Heaven is Joy
“The serious business of heaven is joy.” (G. K. Chesterton) What a marvelous sentence. Heaven is a place of total and perfect joy. Augustine said, “It is the decided opinion of all who use their brains that all men desire to be happy.” Consider these descriptions from Revelation 21-22. God will live with us, sadness,…Read more The Serious Business of Heaven is Joy
Living For the Glory of God
"Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved second: That whether others do or not, I will" Jonathan Edwards "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 "The glory of God is man fully alive." Irenaeus These statements motivate…Read more Living For the Glory of God
Joy and Disappointment in Two Weeks
Two weeks ago I was running the hills of Georgia, visiting with our parents, and playing with my grandchildren in North Carolina. One day I ran a steep hilly course that challenges me. Although my time will never threaten anyone, Beth Gilday's inspires me with her faith and prayers to keep running. Springtime in the…Read more Joy and Disappointment in Two Weeks
Coram Deo 