The friend at midnight. A simple parable where Jesus teaches us to pray. We’ve skimmed this story dozens of times and could recount it freely. The characters are few: a weary traveler, a needy host, and a sleepy friend. Likewise, the themes are straightforward: hunger, lack, and abundance. But let’s dig deeper. “Then He said to them, “Suppose one of …
Prophecy. End times. Christ’s return. All hot topics of mystery and debate in the church today. Fresh prophecies emerge weekly. Educated men and women passionately postulate contradictory views, yet all have some validity. So who is truly speaking truth? Which eschatological view is most biblical? What should we believe about these last days? I confess to you, I often don’t …
“What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40 NKJV) I quickly recognize the scenario. In His most trying hour, our Lord found His closest friends asleep. While He poured out His soul in agony, their eyes closed with exhaustion. I shudder to think of their complacency, but then wonder: does my life exhibit any difference? “Child, could …
Medicine proved no benefit. This once healthy young man was left paralyzed, unable to move. The only thing that had changed was his family’s future. One of his friends caught wind that a Teacher was in town. This Carpenter turned Rabbi not only healed lepers and cast out demons, He even tamed the weather on occasion. His stories kept people …
The leather gave only slightly to the blow, as the weighted bag bobbled under her best uppercut. Pummeling with all her might, she drove her glove into the bag, groaning a little with each jab. Stabbing and striking, ducking and dodging — her every move exhausted her, but also strengthened her for the next fight. Every morning, she …
I query I question Problem looming, awkward and heavy Obstacle mounting Burdensome. I puzzle I ponder Thoughts upturning, spilling and staining Logic fleeting Incomprehensible. I brood I bleed Emotions surging, turbulent and shifting Sentiment boiling Irrepressable. I lament I languish Character evanescent, evaporating and ephemeral Intention inadequate Hopeless. A breath. A wisp. A vapor. I …
His ears tensed as he picked up a slight sound — the baby crying, perhaps? But as he strained to hear, he realized that it was just a dog barking in the distance. The house was truly quiet at last. What a day for his wife to leave him in charge. Nothing had gone right. While he cleaned up …
Despite how this looks, I don’t play piano. It wasn’t as if my mother didn’t give me plenty of opportunity. She drug me from teacher to teacher in our little community, trying to find someone who could unlock the potential that she just knew was in my hands. I can remember at least three teachers – maybe four …
