With more national shooting tragedies making recent headlines, and discussions of gun control taking center stage yet again, we realize afresh the brokenness of the world around us. If we take the time to look deeply into our own hearts and lives, we recognize that in different ways we are all broken people, desperately in need of rescue and wholeness. As Christians, we have a message of hope to share—Jesus Christ has come to redeem us from this dark and broken world! He is very much alive today, working to heal our lives, while we look ahead with anticipation to…
Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above, Would drain the ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky. This beautiful expression of God’s love from the hymn “The Love of God” speaks of the measureless immensity of His love toward us. It’s a love that has no fear in it. A love that never fails. A love that endures forever. God assures us…
Throughout the summer, early morning birdsongs often welcome us into the day. I’m learning to recognize many of the varied species and sounds of the birds right in my own backyard. Our friend Rich S. has helped me appreciate our feathered friends much more. A retired outdoor educator, Rich now takes groups on nature walks, or “birding” expeditions, watching and listening for up to 50 different species on an outing! Earlier this summer, I discovered the piping plover on the beaches of Maine. Signs instructed visitors to stay away from restricted areas where the birds were nesting. Unlike many species,…
As Christ-followers in the family of God, there’s an amazing bond that quickly surfaces among brothers and sisters in the Lord. I’ve often marveled at the people God has brought into my life over the years—those I often have had little in common with outside of our faith, yet who I sometimes have formed the closest friendships with because of that faith. This anomaly can only be explained by the love of God. This poem is dedicated to those notable friendships centered on the love of God—that special love of the brethren. Why do I love you . . ….
Do you ever feel like God’s love is far from you? Wonder if He has forgotten, even abandoned you? If so, you’re not alone. In Psalm 42, David laments his sadness and discouragement, crying out to God, his rock, “Why have you forgotten me?” Throughout this beautiful Psalm we observe the struggle as David acknowledges God’s goodness and love toward him, yet feels far from it. Isaiah 49 holds one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s everlasting love in all of Scripture—that we are indelibly etched on the palms of His hands. In verse 14 ancient Zion (Jesusalem) cries…
