What’s Important Now
In the midst of COVID-19-resurgence-civil-rights-demonsrations-China’s-oppression-of-Hong-Kong-and-all-the-forms-of-daily-craziness, I encourage you to remember who you fundamentally are, and if you’re a follower of Christ, who we are as believers. In the midst of all this—or of anything in your life—what’s important in each day we live? Last month I performed my daughter’s wedding (on Zoom), and I now have a son-in-law—congratulations, Irena and Kevin! They chose to not put life on hold, while being wise about it. Since then I’ve done a memorial service (also on Zoom) that connected family and friends in two countries—God bless you, Sandy. Sickness and death do not…
Facing the the Plague
I would have written sooner, but I’m in the midst of moving… Consider a few things about COVID-19 from a Kingdom of God perspective: Psalm 91 tells us twice, in verses 3 and 6–7, that God will save us from “the deadly pestilence” and also “the plague.” One could take this presumptuously and falsely assume God will keep one safe. But those who experience the reality of the Bible’s promises are ones who deeply and diligently submit themselves to God and boldly expect in faith and by the leading of the Holy Spirit that God will do what he says…
Usher for the Kingdom
I started out living in Africa, then Minnesota, then Japan, then California, now Louisiana. And I have often asked myself, “Why am I here?” The answer that has consistently come is, “The same reason you’re anywhere on earth.” Jesus says in what we call the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven….” This is about praying down the reign and activity of God on earth. And God invites us to participate. More than anything else in life, I want to be part of God’s reign and activity that blesses people’s…
The Kingdom of God–the Best Deal in Town
One cold day by the ocean, I was seeking God’s direction, and I felt distinctly prompted to relinquish all the goals I had at the time. Ahhh!!! In their place—and I am convinced the Holy Spirit was doing this because it was so clear and against my will—I was to “do the Matthew 6:33 thing.” That reads: “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” So above everything else, I am—and we are—are to seek God’s heavenly reign as it comes to earth here and now. And we are…
Can Eternity Meet Earth?
Can eternity meet the earth? I’m on the Pacific coast, looking across a foggy horizon as frothing waves crash on stubbornly immovable rocks. A longer look finds seagulls, cormorants, pelicans, terns, lone herons, and an occasional sea lion. Kelp forests make a home for innumerable fish. On shore something like a miniature forest grows within the zone between high and low tides. Above it plants flourish as close as they dare to approach the water. The shoreline is a narrow ecosystem where land meets sea with a profusion of life. The ocean has always seemed to me like the heart…
