A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
Read: Psalm 50 You thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. (v. 21) This psalm presents a scathing critique of the wicked, naming “classic” sins like thievery, adultery, and slander. When the Bible presents lists like this, I tend to feel a little self-righteous. […]
Women Ending FGM
Keren sees the programs as a great way to teach listeners about Christianity, but also about business, health, and family issues. One of the biggest concerns in these remote villages is Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM.
Light in Uncertain Times
Read: Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light . . . (v. 2) The devotional you are reading today was written months ago, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a time of fear and anxiety, and my concerns about my family’s health and well-being are very […]
Advent Longings
Read: Psalm 122 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I […]
Increasing and Decreasing
Read: John 3:22-30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (v. 30) There was an old-time baseball manager who once said of his team, “I managed good but boy did they play bad.” That’s the opposite of how leadership should be measured. What matters is not the brilliance of the head but the tone of […]
A Fresh Start
Read: Luke 22:31-38 Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them […]
Don’t Hold Back!
Read: Isaiah 6:1-13 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” (v. 12) In the spring of 2009, I lost my job as a high school music teacher. My district was closing several schools, and I happened to be one of the newest people hired. I […]
Joy and Sorrow
Read: Psalm 126 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! (v. 5) During Advent, we are deeply aware that we live in between Christ’s coming for the first time and his coming again. In this “already, not yet” time, we know that Jesus Christ came to begin his reign and invite […]
Here I am! Send Me
Read: Isaiah 6:1-13 Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? (v. 8) Life as a pastor’s kid can be tough. I was expected to be a model for all the kids at church and felt pressure that my behavior was a testimony to my parents’ abilities as pastors. But life as a […]