Strangers on the Earth

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. Hebrews 11:13 NIV Whenever I drive a car in a...

An Unhurried Cup of Coffee

I asked a man from Germany what he missed most while living in the United States. He replied, "I miss sitting unhurried at a café and drinking coffee with friends. Now I get my coffee at a convenience store rushing to my next appointment." He knew...

Spiritual Fitness

I enjoy the discipline of physical exercise because it fits my "to-do list" mentality. Yet, when I apply this same mentality to my spirtual life I often fall short. For instance, reading through my Bible in a year does not necessarily produce growth....

A Simpler Focus

Never in my lifetime have I had more time-saving devices, yet I don't seem to have enough time. How can that be? Never in my life have I had so many technological tools to aid my communication, yet the clarity, depth, and warmth of my words do not seem improved....

Devoted or Lukewarm?

Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT I ask myself, What does it mean to be devoted – to be "all in"? Is it possible to be a true follower of Jesus and be lukewarm? Believers in the early church were not...