Thankful for Winter

Believer, are you thankful for winter? Here in Michigan, where it is not as cold as in my native home of Minnesota, but neither is it as sunny, winter is often gray and uninviting–unless one is an avid outdoorsman.  Many Michiganders are not, and some of them, like the geese, head south for the winter.  … More Thankful for Winter

Liberation from Present Vindication, or The Right Way Not to Care What People Think of You

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.  In fact, I do not even judge myself.  For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.  Therefore judge nothing before … More Liberation from Present Vindication, or The Right Way Not to Care What People Think of You

Faith or Feeling?

“I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house” (Mark 2:11). So often the road to recovery, when we fall down or are in despair, is one small step from feeling to faith.  For example, Jesus comes to us and says, “Love your spouse,” but we look … More Faith or Feeling?

Christmas: Only the Proud Refuse to Rejoice

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” –Titus 3:4-5 Suspended in space, unsupported by human hands of structures, the grace of God appeared–lowly, inconspicuous–a Baby. Like Naaman, we were offended.  Surely … More Christmas: Only the Proud Refuse to Rejoice

Be a Loyal Friend

“O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? For your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.” –Hosea 6:4 Many of our so-called friendships resemble the fickleness of gasoline-buyers: For two cents less a gallon, we forsake the station of … More Be a Loyal Friend