It boils down to this

It boils down to this

In Virginia every spring, there’s a big event called Garden Week. During these seven days, in various pockets of the state, local garden committees prepare for this annual extravaganza. It includes tours of a few private homes with wildly creative flower arrangements...
All Things New

All Things New

It’s a global phenomenon, loved by children (of all ages). In the US it’s called cotton candy, In the UK, candy floss. In France, ‘barbe à papa’ (daddy’s beard). It’s a no-brainer when asking children if they want some of this sugary treat. The answer is typically...
A different kind of army

A different kind of army

It’s almost humorous the number of times it has to be repeated in Scripture. The phrase so often heard is: ‘Do not be afraid.’ One would have to conclude that the reason for this command is that the audience was, in fact, afraid.  Jesus says it to his...
Like a Waldo in the crowd

Like a Waldo in the crowd

In multiple countries now, there are televised talent shows offering as prizes either huge sums of cash or rigorous coaching by a famous personality in a matched category. Each platform has massive crowd appeal and tens of millions of faithful viewers. A percentage of...
Speaking from the heart

Speaking from the heart

To Nicodemus, Jesus spoke an encoded message, pure Kingdom-speak which, to ears listening with world-speak filters in place, came across as ludicrous, impossible. As a matter of fact, it was that way to the Pharisees, too, and to the disciples, and to Martha and Mary,...
Anybody up for a good book?

Anybody up for a good book?

For many students with staggering reading lists in their various syllabi, the idea of finding an abridged version of their stack of weighty tomes, complete with tidy outlines, is a godsend: think Cliffs Notes (Coles notes in Canada where the idea originated). To their...
Discipleship then and now

Discipleship then and now

Today’s world is a marvel. You can work remotely, and even get married remotely! You can earn a college degree without ever getting dressed or leaving your bedroom or dealing with a fellow student or being face to face with a professor! Banking is done remotely. Bills...
That’s a Plan!

That’s a Plan!

“God . . .  has planted eternity in the human heart,  . . .” (Eccles. 3:11, NLT). Not jealousy, not anger, not frustration, not sloth, but eternity! Eternity, then, is the heart’s true home. So, maybe babies are born with an ‘eternity knowing’ but without...
Our Resurrection Too

Our Resurrection Too

How would you have described your reaction, had you been present when the resurrected Jesus first passed through the wall of the room where you were hiding? Terrified? Surprised? Shocked? Have many times would you come to repeat that story to others in the coming...
Above All Names

Above All Names

If you speak prophetically (and accurately) about your own death, as well as your resurrection, are you worthy to be trusted? If you repeatedly exhibit God’s miraculous powers over a span of three and a half years, are you worthy to be trusted? If, as you are dying by...