In biblical times, cities are surrounded by walls that serve to protect citizens from a multitude of threats: marauding armies, bands of outlaws, and wild animals. The gates are left open...

When our children were babies, my husband and I would often go into the nursery while they slept just to gaze at their little bundled-up forms. They weren’t doing anything unusual—just...

Once Paul and his companions get the green light from the Holy Spirit to enter Macedonia, they proceed to the city of Philippi. Paul’s usual strategy in a new city begins...

In today’s passage, Paul and his companions are on their second missionary journey, departing from Antioch and heading west. They have chosen to take the land route this time to visit...

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more.” When I was young, these words held little meaning. I was busy building a life and a ministry...

Revelation 21 begins with the powerful statement that we need a new world; the old world is unable to embrace what God has for us next. Sometimes we can repair broken...

We praise people to affirm them, but God doesn’t need our affirmation to be God. We praise others to encourage them to continue on a certain path, but God works in...

I find it intriguing that one entire book of the Bible, Psalms, is a book of songs. Words to be sung, not merely read. All cultures have their own music; it...

How is it that Jesus has been glorified already? He has dismissed Judas to set in motion his crucifixion. There is no turning back. Jesus neither pleads with Judas to reconsider...

Despite what romantics say, love is not blind. Attraction may obscure others’ flaws, but genuine mature love recognizes all shortcomings and understands and accepts others as they are. Jesus calls his...