"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1, NIV). Gales whirl in a violent uproar outside my office window. Hail batters the roof like a viral-shaped threat to any who would dare brave the outside world. The tears of…
The smoke settles across our fire-scorched battlefield. Beside us, the mud groans as it swallows the two severed dragon heads of distorted identity. The dragon's sister also decays on this field. Misplaced authority oozes its last bit of stench into the distant wind. The paved road glimmers with fresh dew…
"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?'” (Mark 4:37-38). I begin each day with a…
Many faithful churchgoers encourage us to face hard times by saying, "Jesus has your back." We call on the Lord from those crisis moments, admitting we cannot cope alone. We recognize our need for divine intervention when things get tough. When our efforts to get through the struggle have fallen…
Has anything in your life gripped hold of your shoulders and held you down? Pressed its weight on your chest until you're straining for each breath? Darkness attacks when we're most vulnerable. Seizing us in its terrifying hold, the enemy crushes our strength in an effort to cripple us. Shadows zoom…
Ashen clouds rumbled warnings overhead as its audience of street traffic and pedestrians dwindled. Laina squinted against a damp gust tainted with smog. A man bumped against her shoulder as he brushed past her on the sidewalk. She glanced back, patting her purse and pockets--everything still in place. His trench coat…
"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…
Cakes, red meat, and fresh neckties fly off the shelves this week. I'm grateful for the ease with which I could choose a card for my wonderful dad. But many struggle with this weekend's holiday. I heard a comedian wish aloud for a card without overstated accolades, reading something like, "Well,…
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup…
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup…