faith

3260) Advice for the Future

If only we could go back in time and share some wisdom with our younger selves.  Today’s meditation is about one little girl who wrote some advice to her older self to be read ten years in the future. ——————       On April 13, 2013 twelve-year old Taylor Scout Smith (2001-2014) wrote herself […]

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3258) A Good Book

“When I became a believer, I didn’t know much about the Bible or the history of Christianity or what Christians believe.  I decided some years later that I would write the kind of book I wished someone had given to me when I began asking questions about Christianity.”  –John Schwarz (1931-2021) ——————————-      John Schwarz

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3250) Lost in the Wilderness

     Two men lost their way hiking through a dense forest in Montana.  It was a remote area, they were not recognizing any landmarks, and could not be sure if the direction they were going was leading them toward a road or further into the wilderness.      Late in the afternoon on the

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3233) Called Back

     American poet Emily Dickinson (pictured above) died on May 15, 1886 at the age of 55.  She wrote over 1800 poems in her lifetime, but she published none of them.  Seven were published anonymously before her death, probably without her permission.  After Emily died, her sister Lavinia discovered dozens of handmade notebooks in

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3232) “In Jesus’ Name”

     A few days ago, Emailmeditation #3228 told the story of William and Wilhemina Kruse, South Dakota pioneers, who lost nine children to diphtheria in 1894.  Upon reading it, my friend Tim emailed to tell me that the story was very personal for him.  He sent me a brief account of his family faith history. 

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3231) Ecclesiastes? Who Need It? (2/2)

     (…continued) Not everyone is fond of Ecclesiastes.  It is strange.  It is depressing.  It even gives ungodly and bad advice.  In the parable of Jesus, it is the fool who says, “Eat, drink, and be merry.”  But in Ecclesiastes that very advice is given by the teacher as the best way to live. 

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3228) Take Heart

     Pictured above are William and Wilhelmine (Minnie) Kruse behind the counter of their store in Humboldt, South Dakota.  Both were born in Germany; William in 1849, Minnie in 1851.  Both immigrated to America as children with their parents.  They were married in 1871.  Along with their store, they also farmed.  The 1915 census recorded

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3227) You Might Not Finish Reading This

By Francis Chan, from his 2008 book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God      You could die before you finish reading this meditation.  I could die while you’re reading it.  Today.  At any moment.      But it’s easy to think about today as just another day.  An average day where you go

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3210) Questions After 9-11 (3/3)

Matthew 11:28-30 – (Jesus said),  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ————————-

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3209) Questions After 9-11 (2/3)

     (…continued) Billy Graham spoke at the National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. on Friday, September 16 (pictured above).  This inter-faith service was an awkward forum for a man so used to proclaiming the clear claims of Christ as THE Way, THE Life, and THE Truth (John 14:6).  Billy Graham’s

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