Becoming like Christ for the sake of others

“Just Keep Swimming” 10/9/18

“Fight the good fight, stay the course, keep the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7  “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming,” said a rather distressed sister one morning in the prayer room, referencing the Finding Nemo film. She cried out further, “I’m not going to give in, I’m not going to give up, and I have no…

The Place of Endless Possibilities 10/2/18

“Wherever you pray is a place of endless possibilities.” The moment Alex Phillips shared this jewel during an Upper Room morning prayer meeting a few years ago, I jotted it down. It gripped my heart. And reminded me that nothing is impossible with God. God can do anything. What are you currently facing? What troubles, challenges…

God Believes in You 9/11/18

Departing: Nikki and I leave for Ireland this Saturday,  a country we love to visit, so this is the last prayer letter till October. To begin this week I want to share a very sweet excerpt from an encouraging email sent by our dear brother Gil Delinger…             “A big thank you to the people of…

“You Are Everything To Me” 9/4/18

Strolling slowly down the beach in her bare feet, the ocean breeze tousled her hair and the sun bounced off the shimmering water, making her squint a little. But she didn’t seem to notice. More important things than her appearance were on her mind. She was suddenly feeling drawn, called by something deep within her.…

The Fascination of Old Books 8/28/18

There once was a little bookstore tucked among a small cluster of shops in the south end of town. Treasures were there and over the years I found a few of them lining the shelves. Poets and pastors; maps and manuscripts; leather-bound gems; golf-leaf pages bursting with inspiration, words lingering from days gone by. Some…

Reconcilable Differences 8/21/18

Dating sites often match people up by their similarities, how compatible they might be because they hold the same likes and dislikes. That a successful and satisfying marriage is the joining together of two people who are very much alike. This is a misconception. While there needs to be some common ground, a couple can…

Strengthening Our Soul 8/14/18

I work several hours a week in my back yard, walk our dog almost daily and sometimes even walk to church and back home again, an hour round trip. All of this exercise strengthens my body. But I also strengthen my soul by attending morning prayer regularly, reading the Word, worshiping, writing this letter, and…

A Folk Story 8/7/18

A European Folk Story Cobbler Martin was a poor shoemaker who lived in the old section of Marseilles in France. His workshop, living room, kitchen and bedroom were all in one quaint but charming room. A pot-bellied stove kept the little room warm and shelving for his shoes lined one wall. A devout man, Cobbler…

How to be Happier 7/31/18

If you would like to find more happiness in your life here’s a little insight. To be happier there’s a few things you need to forget. Forget the faults of your family and friends. Forget all the critical things people have said about you. Forget personal quarrels and real or imagined slights from others. Forget…

Makin’ A Hypocrite 7/24/18

Annie wandered away up the field toward a little old cottage. She knew Thomas Crann was at work there and found him busy roughcasting the outside of it with plaster. “You’re busy workin’,” observed Annie. “Aye, just helpin’ to make a hypocrite,” answered Thomas, with a nod and a smile as he threw a trowel…