Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. —Psalm 100:2 Worshipping the LORD with gladness is easy when you are glad. Singing joyful songs is not tough when all is going your way. But we both know this: you are not always glad, and things do not…
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. —Isaiah 43:19 Maybe watching whales splashing in the ocean isn’t your thing (though why you wouldn’t…
I still talk to my dad. It’s been 18 years. I know that I am not alone, though it’s not something many of us share on or around death dates. But it’s there. He’s there. Listening. Watching. Supporting. Attentive. Close. Proud. Yesterday was the anniversary date. It was also the…
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip.” —Matthew 25:14a One amazing soul in a recent Bible study laid down some heavy theology when she said, “We can experience heaven on earth.” This sweetheart is not delusional. She watches…
“Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” Luke 15:6b As a fourth-grade class, we were standing in line at the door waiting to be dismissed for the day. I had an intentionally glum expression on my face, and, from twelve feet away, my teacher noticed and asked…
Imagine the perfect worship. The presence of peace rolls through the congregation. The pastor pauses and pauses yet again, slowing each breath to allow for more healing and holy silence to seep into you and into the souls of those around you. You close your eyes and almost whisper to…