-
The Truth About Loneliness
One of the loneliest times recorded in all of human history is the day Jesus was put to death on a Roman cross at Calvary. “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” He cried, as darkness enveloped him, just before he gave up his spirit (Matthew 27:46-50). Often we think of loneliness as something we experience only when we are alone, yet not everyone who is alone, feels lonely, and to the contrary, we may be surrounded by family and friends, yet at times still feel very isolated. The gospels record numerous times Jesus separated himself from others and went off alone to pray, yet there is no…
-
Creating an Ishmael
In the book of Genesis we are introduced to a man named Abram and witness God’s blessing and calling upon his life. As their relationship develops Abram voices his concerns over having to leave all that God gives him to a servant, because he has no heirs, and God makes Abram a promise. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall…
-
Straight Up and Over: navigating the faithful journey
In the movie Homeward Bound three family pets decide to make their way home after being left temporarily with a family friend. As they escape and set out for a mountain range in the distance, the old retriever, Shadow, tells his companions, home is straight up and over, assuring them they would be home by dark. How many of us can relate to their despair as they crested the ridge, and looked out over an expanse of mountains and wilderness, instead of their cozy, suburban neighborhood? Is it really so different when we believe God has called us to something and we set out on that adventure, expecting blue skies…
