What is prayer? Is it a ritual, a routine, or a meaningful pouring out of our hearts to God? In my New Testament reading this week I came across two beautiful pictures of prayer being offered before the throne of God. In the fourth chapter of Revelation John is given...
Keepers of the Faith
We do a good deal of Soft Skills and Tactics (SST) training in various parts of the world. Those we train generally serve or will serve in challenging and often high risk international locations. And yet, sometimes we end up training a somewhat different group of...
And the Sun Stood Still
My “Chapter a Day” reading schedule has me in the New Testament book of John these days. As I work my way through this book, prayerfully asking the Lord to give me eyes to see and ears to hear what he has for me, I’ve been struck by the number of times the word...
Decision Time
On September 22, 2022 Fox News ran a headline that read, “Christianity quickly diminishing in US, on pace to become minority religion…” A similar headline appeared on December 09, 2022. It read, “Growing number of Americans moving away from Christianity...” Both...
Good News of Great Joy
There are many traditions and tales associated with how Christmas is celebrated today. Some are rooted in wonderful memories of how families have gathered with those they love to celebrate the day of the Lord’s birth. These warm memories are meaningful and cherished....
Our Hope is in Christ
The world today is a complex and troubled place. Citizens within many nations are bitterly divided between one another by seemingly irreconcilable political and ideological differences. International relations are also fragile. At times this leads to military conflict...
Faith and Discouragement
Sometimes it’s easy to have faith. It’s awesome when you walk in obedience to the Lord’s clear leading and things go well. A great example can be found in Luke. Very early in his ministry, Jesus came upon a fisherman named Simon. The Lord asked Simon to take him just...
What is Your Prayer?
I’ve been thinking a great deal about prayer lately. God has graciously answered many requests over the years. He has moved hearts, provided for needs, and heard cries that words could not express. Yes, God has been gracious and we are so thankful. And still we pray....
Motives
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the root meaning of the English word motive, is “That which inwardly moves a person to behave a certain way.” Have you ever stopped to think about the motives that drive the groups or individuals who are in the national...