"With bitterness archers attacked him . . . But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel . . . because of the Almighty, who blesses you" (Genesis 49:23-25). A chill brushes…
"Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity" (Colossians 3:12-14). Genocide ravages our eastern neighbors. Oppression…
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people" (Ephesians 6:18). A dust cloud thundering with hooves approaches from the horizon. Screams erupt as the grey shadow roars through the towns…
"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). I hit the snooze. Again. Before I know it, those red digits glare alarming numbers. I have fifteen minutes to get out of the house. After a quick prayer, I hack my…
"Therefore put on the full armor of God,so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. . . . Take the helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:13,17). I enjoy a solitary day at the mall, unless I'm searching for…
"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). As we visited Busch Gardens' one day, I observed a toddler patting the glass of a wildlife enclosure. A lioness sprang toward him from the other side. Massive…
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness . . ." (Ephesians 6:14) Aim small, miss small. The tactical advice to aim for the chest cavity resounds across historical millenia like an ancient battle chant. Though a head injury ensures devastating results, an…
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness . . ." (Ephesians 6:14) Aim small, miss small. The tactical advice to aim for the chest cavity resounds across historical millenia like an ancient battle chant. Though a head injury ensures devastating results, an…
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth . . ." As we prepare to face evil himself, the first element revealed for our defense is truth. And it's a belt. Ho hum. Belts live in a neglected rack at the back of the department store--a fashion afterthought at best. Shouldn't…
Trillions of subatomic energy particles streak across space and dive into the atmosphere. Their scintillating wake revitalizes the air, illuminates my window, and massages vital warmth into cell tissues as they pass through my body. I cannot sense this process any more than I can discern which gases comprise my breath-concoction or count…