Like Israel, we can get so focused on what we want God to do for us tomorrow that we miss what he’s doing for us today. The wilderness, for Israel and for us, is not a place between destinations but a part of the journey. A place where God leads and provides and reveals himself to his people....
When Job lost everything, as was custom, he sat in ashes (Job 2:8). Our culture avoids such blatant expressions of grief. We don’t like to wallow. But the intentionality of the symbol is powerful. Job didn’t pretend all was well when it wasn’t, nor should we. ...
The first things that comes to our minds when we hear the word “idolatry” are typically little statues, golden calves, and ancient religion. Those are idols of course, but that is far too narrow of a view....
The call to love our neighbor can often be a struggle. Let's face it; some people are easier to love than others. As a result, we often strive to ensure our neighbors look and think a lot like us. It may not be a conscious effort. After all, it's only "natural" to avoid relationships with those who are more challenging to be around. ...
As we reflect on the earthly ministry of Jesus and the road he took to the cross, it is essential we remember why he had to come. Sin—our sin—is not something to be taken lightly. God certainly does not....
What are you giving up for Lent? Wouldn't it be nice if we could answer, "sin"? But we are like Paul, who confessed, "For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it" (Rom 7:18 CSB). ...
“Where are you?” God’s first response to Adam and Eve’s sin was not disappointment nor vengeance but a question, an invitation to connection. Ashamed and covered, Adam and Eve came to God with a never-before-felt tension. They were caught....
"Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist speaking to Mary upon her arrival for a visit, 'As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy'" (Luke 1:44). What untold joys await those with ears to hear....
When I was a kid, I thought KAOS was simply the name of an international organization of evil with the goal of world domination, make believe from the old TV show Get Smart. I didn’t know as a young child it was a play on the word chaos. Not all children are able to be as blissfully unaware of chaos as I was but all of us in our teen years, if not for sure by adulthood, know the stress and chaos of everyday life. The seasons, long and short, of the complete lack of peace....
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!" (Luke 2:14 CSB)...
We had just finished an intense stretch of travel, conferences, meetings, and hosting missionaries. With Steve heading out for the next six days, I was looking forward to an empty house and some rest. However, the next day, I received a photoof Hannah C. and a beautiful baby boy in her arms. Wyatt had been born during the night, the son of a Vietnamese International studen...
Keep Reading
With this year's vision focus we have been talkingabout kingdom-advancing risks. This is guidingme to a new way to think about my daily interactions, like the one I had with the UPS store notary yesterday.The young store manager was notarizing a few forms for a friendwhen I commented on his sparkly wedding-band-like ring, curiously worn on his right hand. I asked if he was...
Keep Reading
Our neighbors, "Kami"and "Pete" are becoming friends. They think very differently than we do on some subjects yet we are learning to listen well and love one another.Last fall "Pete", a Buddhist, brought over a hand towel they selected for us while on vacation. It is well with my soul is embroidered on it. He recognized it as something Christian and thought we'd like it. W...
Keep Reading God is leading TFC toward an exciting vision. In the next twoyears and beyond, the reach of our branches will match the depth of our roots. Jesus calls us to an uncompromising discipleshipwhere building his kingdom often feels uncomfortable and is always out of our control. We've been challenged to take such kingdom-advancing risks to grow deeper in our walk with Christ an...
Keep Reading
I'm back and filled with gratitude: for the gift of a sabbatical this summer, to be home with family and church family, and for the obvious ways God has been at work in the body and through the staff and elders.A friend who committed to be in touch with me through the summer started his texts with, "Where's Waldo?" And many have wondered, "Where was Keith, and what was he ...
Keep Reading
When my life was fainting away,I remembered the LORD,and my prayer came to you,into your holy temple.- Jonah 2:7So prays the prophet Jonah from the stomach of a fish. As a man known for running from God, Jonah got a lot of things wrong. Rebelling against God's command? Check. Forsaking his calling? Check. Choosing hate over mercy? Check. Despite what may have defined his w...
Keep Reading
And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'?" (Mark 11:17)Having entered Jerusalem toward the end of his earthly ministry,Jesus proceeded to the Temple and began driving out those who were buying and selling there.In this context, Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7, a prophecy thatthe latter-day te...
Keep Reading
"I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason...
Keep Reading
The house of my soul is too small, O Lord, for you to enter.---Make it more spacious by your coming.It lies in ruins.---Rebuild it, O Lord.Some things are to be found here which will offend your gaze.---I confess this to be so and know it well.But who will clean my house?---To whom but Yourself can I cry?Cleanse me of my hidden sins, O Lord, and restore in me a clean heart...
Keep Reading
Do we enter into the deep distresses of our hearts when we pray? Or do we hang back emotionally, bringing requests to the Lord from a dutiful distance?...
Keep Reading