Month: November 2014

For Sale— ”As Is”

A house listed for sale “As Is” usually means the seller is unable or unwilling to spend any money to repair it or make it attractive. Any necessary repairs or desired improvements are the responsibility of the buyer after the purchase is complete. “As Is” on a real estate listing is equivalent to saying, “Buyer beware. Home may require significant further investment.”

Happy Ending

In its “plot,” the story of the Bible ends up very much where it began. The broken relationship between God and human beings has healed over at last, and the curse of Genesis 3 is lifted. Borrowing images from Eden, Revelation pictures a river and a tree of life (Rev. 22:1-2). But this time a great city replaces the garden setting—a city filled with worshipers of God. No death or sadness will ever darken that scene. When we awake in the new heaven and new earth, we will have at last a happy ending.

Movie Review: Big Hero 6

If you are anything like me, the first thought that crosses your mind on the new movie Big Hero 6 would probably be: Another cartoon? But if you really are anything like me, you would be speeding off to the nearest cinema to catch the movie before its run ends soon! […]

An eye-opening conversation about the truth and grace of Christ

Let’s conclude a study on John chapter 8 and the story of the woman caught in adultery. What we’ll find in this passage is a remarkable display of both the truth and grace of Christ.

Why Is It So Difficult to Say Thank You?

Saying “thank you” is something we don’t do naturally. I remember my parents reminding me to say “thank you” every time I received a gift, whether it was for a present that I was really excited about or a simple gesture that someone showed. It’s two simple words that […]

It Starts with Being Content

Some of us have much to be thankful for. A good family. Food on the table. Nice clothing. Good schooling. Hopes for a solid job. I am one of those who really have almost everything I could ask for. Yet another group of us may have fewer things to be grateful […]

Amani

Amani, which means “peace” in Swahili, is the name of a Labrador retriever pup that has some special friends. Amani lives with two young cheetahs at the Dallas Zoo. Zoologists placed the animals together so the cheetahs could learn Amani’s relaxed ways. Since dogs are generally at ease in public settings, the experts predict that Amani will be a “calming influence” in the cheetahs’ lives as they grow up together.

Be encouraged by how Jesus handles our sin with truth and grace

She had been caught red-handed. Exposed publicly for her sin of adultery, the woman in John 8 certainly didn’t expect any mercy from Jesus or the crowd.

Why Thanksgiving Leads to a Fulfilling Life

“From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” It has been said that the best things in life are the simplest things. Like seeing the radiant smile of a toddler in the midst of a busy street, […]

A Lesson In Praise

Psalm 150 is not only a beautiful expression of praise, it’s also a lesson in praising the Lord. It tells us where to praise, why we’re to praise, how we’re to praise, and who should offer praise.

Discover Jesus’ response to an impossible dilemma

From a human perspective, there was no good solution. Jesus shouldn’t forgive the woman caught in adultery, but He wouldn’t condemn her either! Our series in John chapter 8 continues.

Why There’s No Better Family than One with Christ

I come from a family of five—there’s my father, mother, two older sisters and me. Together we’re dysfunctional, disorganised, lazy and sometimes crazy. But behind it all, we’re a very loving bunch. So “family” is a term that I hold dear to my heart. It is the very […]

God Whispers “Fish”

A number of years ago our sons and I enjoyed some days together drifting and fishing the Madison River in Montana with two fishing guides who also served as our boatmen.

An important discussion about the dangers of exploiting others

Ever notice how easy it is to mix up our priorities? It happens when we love things and use people, instead of loving people and using things!

Chopping Boards, Tablets, and Being Thankful

Sometime last month, an Argentinian boy on the other side of the world made me cry. I don’t even know his name. But big, fat tears rolled down my cheeks as I watched the three-minute video clip—a beautiful capture of a thankful heart. You may have come across it—a young […]