There's a saboteur — and it's one of us
In “World Peace and other 4th-Grade Achievements,” by John Hunter, the author and game deviser tells of adding a saboteur to the game. Only he and the saboteur know who that is. The other players believe he or she only plays the designated role. Having a saboteur in the game causes the players to come up with strategies to counter the saboteur’s actions. They have to reach more deeply into their intellectual and emotional selves.
Let God reframe your perspective
Perspective is an interesting thing. I read somewhere that the window you choose to look out determines your reality.
Everyone can know Jesus is the Savior
About a month ago we celebrated Easter. It is natural during the Easter season to turn our thoughts toward the Savior, Jesus Christ — His life and teachings, His resurrection, and His glorious Atonement. However, as the holiday passes, it is all too easy to fall back into complacency regarding our relationship with the Savior.
Christians emphasize compassion
Among the ancient Greeks and Romans, compassion for the sick and dying was rare. Plato said that the poor man who was too sick to work should be left to die. One Roman philosopher said that you prolong a beggar’s misery if you give him food and drink. For a good 600 years, Romans were entertained by gladiators being stabbed to death in the arenas. The early Christians came into this compassionless culture with surprising acts of mercy.
God works great changes in us through small things
The refrain of the old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” claims that “morning by morning, new mercies I see.” The Biblical reference is Isaiah 50:4, which reads, “Morning by morning, He wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.”
God uses small things to change us
The refrain of the old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” claims that “morning by morning, new mercies I see.” The Biblical reference is Isaiah 50:4, which reads, “Morning by morning, He wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.”
What does the resurrection mean?
We live in what is described as a “post-Christian era.” That means the church is no longer relevant and has lost its influence. This is a sad commentary, but I believe the Church can be revived as we look at the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Certainly an increase of hedonism, secularism, relativism and humanism have captivated people’s hearts and minds, but I believe more recent cultural pressures, such as the emphasis on tolerance, political correctness and moral relativity have done more to silence Christians than anything else.
Things aren't always as they seem
I like to walk in solitude and pray. When we lived in Kansas City, there was a park near our home that was the perfect place to get away from the busyness of life and get alone with God.
Take time to consider how to live today
Recently many around the world watched a little chimney on the roof of one of the most iconic places of worship in the world, the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. When the smoke came out white, Roman Catholics everywhere knew that they had a new leader. Personally, and I believe I speak for the vast majority of Protestants, I wish Pope Francis well, that he might lead with the grace of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The plumbline is set: It is Jesus, God's Word
The Lord called me into the ministry in June 1988. I was listening to a sermon entitled “Are Ye Able?” God impressed upon my heart to preach His Word. On Jan. 1 1991, I held my first service in Okanogan. I was tested right away on God’s Word, specifically the deity of Jesus Christ. One might think Jesus’ deity is a given in any evangelical church, but wolves in sheep’s clothing can creep in. I studied the Word of God to share the truth of Jesus Christ with them. He is God.
