Isaiah 8:1-15 This past week marked the celebration of an annual event in Paraguay, the country God called me to work in over 25 years ago now. December 8th is the feast day of the Virgin of Caacupé, and many thousands of people make the pilgrimage to her basilica to thank a small statue … Continue reading ADVENT DEVOTION | WHILE WE WAIT
Lent Reflection: Always At Work
"I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me." -Psalm 119:75 "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" -Romans 2:4 In a Bible study that I’m currently leading, there is a young … Continue reading Lent Reflection: Always At Work
Advent Devotion: Unexpected Solution
Isa 1:10-20 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) When the Egyptian Pharoah foresaw that the increasing population of the Israelites was likely to become a problem, … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Unexpected Solution
Lent Reflection: In His Hand
I'm always amazed when I read the prayer of Jesus in John 17. It's amazing to me for several reasons, but one thing that astounds me is that Jesus, knowing that he is about to be treacherously arrested, unjustly accused, illegally condemned, painfully tortured, and then shamefully, irrationally, and agonizingly murdered, is thinking of someone other than himself.
Advent Devotion: Beyond the Trappings
The smell of palm flowers in the air. Hot, sultry days giving way to breezy cool nights full of the sound of exploding fireworks. Piles of juicy watermelons for sale along the side of the highway. The clay ovens being heated with wood fires to bake delicious pans full of bread made with cornmeal and … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Beyond the Trappings