When our son graduated from Christian college, along with his diploma he was presented with a towel. It exemplified that no matter what career path he pursued in the days ahead, his greater calling was to serve others like Christ. In a record commonly known as “The Last Supper,” Jesus used a towel, giving us a moving example of service by washing the feet of His disciples. In that day, it was the duty of the lowliest servant to wash the feet of guests—a custom used any time travelers or strangers came into the house with dirt of their feet…
My friend Bev recently changed her work schedule, freeing up more time for ministry. One morning she prayed, “Lord, show me what you want me to do today.” “Go to Walmart,” said the Lord. “Walmart?” questioned Bev, “but I don’t need anything at Walmart.” “Yes, Walmart,” responded the Lord. “Go, and I will show you when you get there.” So Bev arrived at Walmart, still unsure of what would happen. “Where should I go, Lord?” “To the back of the store, the toy aisle,” came her answer. There Bev encountered a distraught looking woman, softly weeping. During the next 15…
Years ago I wanted to write a poem that portrays the heart and life of the man who is committed to and lives for God first. I have been blessed to know a number of men—including my husband, pastors, leaders, and friends through the years—that fit this description. This poem is dedicated to them, and to all the wonderful men who walk with God in their lives: The heart of a man of God stands sure, His mind held firm by knowing That God is with him moment by moment, His life is a continual showing Of God’s healing love,…
Did you know statistics reveal that 75-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses? The pressures of life are constantly bearing down on us. We all face needs that can result in anxieties about our health, finances, safety, relationships, the future. While people try many things to bring peace to their lives, Jesus’ words in John 14:27 remain: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” The peace of Christ is something we must invest in daily through…
I was visiting my elderly Dad in the nursing home when out of the blue he said, “You should have won that Spanish award in high school.” I looked at him in stunned silence . . . His words felt like someone trying to pick at the scar and re-open a wound from long ago. “You remember that?” I finally said. “Of course,” he replied. “We all knew you were the top Spanish student senior year, yet I never understood why the award went to someone else.” I could only shake my head in disbelief and smile. If only I’d heard…
