No doubt you have experienced challenges, trouble, and uncertainty, or unknowns that have driven you to prayer. I would venture to say that given the opportunity, you would testify to God's answers. He is faithful! Where God is at work, opposition arises. Those who do not understand for lack of experience, or those who are threatened with the loss of power, or position, often will react with mocke...  Read More

Ezra ends with exclusion. Acts begins with inclusion. Ezra's word is: "Come in!" Jesus' word is "Go out!" There is a place for both. In fact, one might observe in Acts that there was a 'coming in' before there was a 'going out.' That Israel's return from exile should have marked a new beginning for all was quite clear. Yet, some of the religious leaders, who should have known better, did the very ...  Read More

There is something about walking along the shore of a lake, or the ocean, along the bank of a river, that stirs up a spirit of contemplation. If I have a spare moment, I'll stop along the edge of Union Lake and reflect, pray, and re-center my day. In these summering days, on a Sunday afternoon, one of our great delights is for Rondalyn and me to take a walk along the lakeshore, or at the bluffs al...  Read More

He is risen! He is risen, indeed! There are no words adequate to record fully what resurrection day meant to the first observers, indeed, to all of us. The joy of journeying with others as they encounter the risen Christ and all their doubts, fears, sorrows, disappointments disappear is exquisite joy. They are coming to know what we have learned as others journeyed with us. There are no words, yes...  Read More

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19, ESV).Ezra records the return of God's people to rebuild the Solomon's temple that was ultimately destroyed because of the horror of Israel's persistent sin. The end result, by Jesus' day (and Herod's intervention) was a wonder to behold. The temple was rebuilt, but the problem of sin was not resolved. In ...  Read More

Until there was no remedy...but wait!"But the LORD, the God of their ancestors sent word against them by the hand of his messengers, sending them time and time again, for he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. But they kept ridiculing God’s messengers, despising his words, and scoffing at his prophets, until the Lord’s wrath was so stirred up against his people that there was n...  Read More