Life in Exile

The One who came would speak the words of God. Would we listen? We should.

As hard as the world may try, we cannot go on thinking everything is rosy and God will not punish those who choose evil. We have glimpses of his wrath today. The question is: Will they wake us up?

What keeps temptations at bay? Letting others know that you worship the Lord God and serve him alone.

Some reflections on the week we left the mission field fifteen years ago.

Open rebellion against the work of Christ in the Body must be addressed. Moses showed us how, and Paul uses his example to teach Timothy and others.

Cicadas...what good are they in our world? I can share seven lessons God taught me through these insects.

One small phrase - One huge impact. What is it? Love your neighbor as yourself. Easy to say, hard to live. Made possible in Christ Jesus.

God has a perspective of the lives of those we serve that we don't have. That's his grace at work and it keeps us from worry when we must leave or move.

The one who is able to obey the Law would live. There is just one problem. No one is capable to live by the Law. That's why we need Christ Jesus. It's a lesson from the past we need to remember.

From beginning to the end, this life is full of struggles. Our challenge is to determine what is worth our efforts. Often it's not what we can see that requires our energies but the unseen. Thankfully, we're not in this fight alone.

What does it mean to be holy as God is holy? It started all the way back in the Torah.

One of the many lessons I learned in overseas living surrounded food. Anytime you move to a new place, there are adjustments to be made to what you eat and how it affects you.

Can past examples help us when we're faced with current temptations? Absolutely! Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to know they were not alone in what they faced.

Can we assume everyone within our church fellowship is a Christ-follower? What about those who are actively working against the cause of Christ? Jude helps us know what to do.

The writer of Hebrews shows us the importance of remembering that God has a pattern for all we do in life. Just as the tabernacle is a reflection of the heavenly one, we are a reflection of the perfect relationship between God and Christ.

What is one of the lessons I've learned from life in cross-cultural service? I must listen and learn before I can speak and teach.

The writer of Hebrews reveals that just as blood must be shed for the old covenant, the New Covenant in Christ required blood--his own. Unlike that of the first, this sacrifice was a one-and-done for all!

Words behind initials make a difference. I choose today to replace those of DEI to RJE--Righteousness, Justice, and Equity. These words come straight from the book of wisdom and thus from God.

Living by the higher law of Christ seems impossible, especially when facing an enemy. It is. That's why we need the Holy Spirit in us and leave the vengeance to God.

A big lesson I learned on the mission field was the reality check on the source of my confidence. It was painful but needed to know I must shift it from me to Christ.

Is the Law sin? What's the purpose of the Ten Commandments? Paul has something to say about all this and it's worth hearing.

Some keepsakes are worth keeping. I found one recently that my father had left just for me.

Break one, break them all--even when it's committed in our heart or mind. That's the righteousness that even the scribes and Pharisees couldn't maintain. We can in Christ alone.

One of the lessons I've learned in living abroad is the importance of keeping Christ above culture in my words, actions, and witness.

Is following the Ten Commandments enough to get into heaven? A young man wanted to know. Jesus had the answer.