I received another response to our mission report, from a member of a church where I formerly preached. “Hi Bob and Jan, What an interesting life the two of you have in your mission work….the scenery is beautiful and reading your report reminds me of reading the Apostle Paul’s letters. No wonder you have always …
Monthly Archives: August 2013
Vineyard Tending
I sent out a summary of my Summer 2013 Mission Work this week. (The report is also linked on the website.) Some of those who receive reports send responses: “Are your mission trips always so intense? It makes me tired reading it. Can I go with you? I am jealous–except for the bus rides!” This …
Friends are Friends Forever
The first part of this week, Jan and I were blessed to spend a couple of days with our long ago friends, Bill and Betty Sims. Our friendship formed over 40 years ago when we were both in Plymouth, Michigan, and our paths have crossed briefly a few times since. I am reminded that Jan …
Thinking about….our inheritance
The question seemed easy enough. “What does our inheritance in the Lord look like?” After several traditional answers, the response of one of the class members went beyond our usual thinking. “A child who is waiting to be adopted into a family is not focused on what he or she will receive when the new …
Progress on the “Psalms Project”
Yesterday I was able to post another set of devotionals in the “Psalms Project.” For those who may not be tracking this project, I am writing a “Short Guide to Reading the Psalms Devotionally.” For each psalm, the project includes a brief comment, a reading guide that provides insights and outlining ideas, and a prayer …
It’s Sunday Again: Worship Begins with Who God Is
This past week, I have returned to my “psalms project.” I am writing a devotional based on each of the 150 psalms. As a result, I have had the opportunity to read and reread Psalms 90-100. Worship begins with a heart attuned to God. The Lord reigns—majestic, strong, eternal, transcendent, invincible, and holy. The Lord …
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Heroes
Who are the heroes in our culture? Some see sports figures as heroes. Others prefer to point to people like firefighters, disaster relief workers and military personnel. We appreciate people who do not hesitate to help others, no matter the personal cost. Who are your heroes? You would probably add to the above list by …
God’s Mission in this World
What is God’s mission in this world? While there are many ways to describe it, the concept of re-creation provides a continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the beginning God created (Genesis 1-2), and in Jesus Christ he re-creates (Ephesians 2, et.al). Broken relationships are restored in Christ. Re-creation is possible. …
It’s Sunday Again: God’s Great Family
Today I am at home. I will worship at Park Plaza. I anticipate sharing the unique and special fellowship that exists when one is at home. So far this year, I worshiped on Sunday with 25 different congregations of God’s Family in eight countries. Six of the congregations were English-speaking, most of the time I …
Rethinking Evangelism
What is the goal of evangelism? Give me a one word or one phrase answer–quickly! What do you think? The movie, Stolen Summer, is the story of a boy who wants everyone to go to heaven. As a result, he tries to convert his friend, the son of a Jewish rabbi. The story revolves around …