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Love Heals Many Wounds
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7. Love has a quiet but powerful way of restoring what life has broken. In a world where wounds—both seen and unseen—are part of our daily experience, Scripture reminds us…
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Bragging Rights
The Apostle Paul once started bragging about himself. Listen to what he says in Philippians 3, If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as…
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Swan Song
Several have asked what my “Swan Song” will be. I immediately thought of the calls of the Trumpeter Swans with their nasal, plastic trumpet sounding voices. I’ve heard them at Richfield National Wildlife Refuge every winter when I drive through there. However, I believe what they are really asking for is what I’m going to…
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Home Security
When Jesus came down the Mount of Transfiguration, he encountered a father with an unclean spirit-possessed son. Jesus said the following words to the spirit: “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (Mark 9:25) When reading this recently, the last phrase of the command caught…
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Our Feet
Before I was born, my brother, Dale was sent to spend time with Uncle Clifford and Aunt Betty in Arizona where Uncle Clifford was a pastor. The Rouses had three boys, so it was a fun time for Dale. But, when Sabbath came, Dale realized he hadn’t brought any shoes. He told Uncle Clifford he…
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Wake the Dead
Next week, Joan and I will begin a trek toward Twin Falls, Idaho. We will go through central Oregon and visit family, probably stop in Boise to see some friends. Then, on Sabbath, I will be the speaker for my nephew’s memorial service at the church where he pastored. I mentioned a song regarding the…
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The Lunch Pail
In September, 1960, I proudly walked into my first grade classroom with a lunch pail just like this one. I even had a thermos bottle inside that resembled a silo where I could bring cold milk from home. I don’t know what happened to my treasure of yesteryear, but when I saw this at the…
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Best Laid Plans
Last week, Joan and I were wondering around southern Belize. We realized we were enjoying our tropical environment while our first grandson was having his 16th birthday back home. What could we get him from Belize that he would enjoy? Since he likes sharp things, we decided to get a machete. However, we were riding an…
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Walmart Encounters
What do people see when they look at us? Sometimes it is hard to hide how we really are. Sometimes is it very easy. In the following, I will share three encounters that all happened at Walmart. These encounters illustrate that no matter what we are doing, we affect other people. Number 1 I had…