The Beauty of Restoration

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)—Colossians 4:10 (NIV)

In Acts 13, we meet John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, Paul’s friend and partner in spreading the gospel. But our first impression of Mark isn’t a good one.

From Paphos, Paul and (more…)

The Dark Side of Christian Nationalism

He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.—John 1:11

Our nation appears more divided than perhaps since the days of the Civil War. But some of God’s children, all of whom are called to be peacemakers, are instead fueling division with a push for Christian nationalism.

The idea is that force-feeding Christian principles at any price upon those (more…)

What Happens When God Moves

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.—Isaiah 30:21

Every day I pray I will hear, immediately recognize and immediately obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. I often pray it will be as reflexive to me as breathing. I (more…)

You’ve Fallen, But You Can Get Up!

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.—1 Corinthians 10:13

Twice recently I have gone kablooey in my backyard – once falling flat on (more…)

Rebounding from Failure

And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the (more…)