I once heard of a church called the “Community Church of Joy.” Churches used to be named after saints, like St. John’s or St. Paul’s; or, after our Lord, like Christ Lutheran, or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. But it’s a relatively recent development to name a church after an emotion. There is nothing bad about the word joy, and nothing wrong with being joyful. One would […]
2091) Be Not Afraid Read More »
“The Fear That Draws Us In” by John Piper Exodus 20:20 — Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin. There is a fear that is slavish and drives us away from God, and there is a
1906) Fear, But Fear Not Read More »
These two readings are from the conclusion to sermon preached by C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) in the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Oxford, England on October 22, 1939, just as World War II was beginning. The title of the sermon was “Learning in War-Time.” It is found in Lewis’s book The Weight of Glory and
1904) The Difference War Makes Read More »
By Jani Ortlund at http://www.desiringgod.org, January 24, 2018 ————– I wish someone had told me. Looking back now, I wish an older lady had sat me down and told me, “Most of life is waiting, Jani. Learn to wait in hope, not fear.” You see, I grew up believing
From “Don’t Let Christmas Destroy You” by Joshua Rogers, posted December 6, 2017 at: http://www.joshuarogers.com ———————- A few years ago, on Christmas Day, a friend was celebrating with her family when they heard a single, loud pop outside. They didn’t think anything of it, but soon the sound of sirens filled the neighborhood.
1705) Hopes and Fears Read More »
By Randy Alcorn at: http://www.epm.org You may have seen the “otter video” that’s gotten a lot of traction on Facebook. There’s a spiritual lesson here, I think. If you haven’t seen it, here’s this four-month-old pet otter who (for some reason) is being introduced to water for the first time. Please don’t get caught
1603) Being Afraid of That For Which You Were Made Read More »
By Spanish Catholic priest and award-winning writer Jose Luis Martin Descalzo (1930-1991), in Reasons for Hope, pages 1-4. Anne is an elderly widow, a very elderly widow in fact, and a most proper widow. What I am about to tell you is an absolutely true story, for all that it might seem to be a
From The Continuing Story of Manuel, by Hugh Steven, 1987, Credo Publishing Corporation, (pages 40-44). Manuel Arenas (1932-1992) was born into the Totonac tribe of Indians in eastern Mexico. He worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators translating the Bible into his language. He spent his life working to provide educational opportunities for the Totonacs and other tribal
1365) Harmless Superstitions? Read More »
Above: Kenyans gathered to remember those who were killed in the Garissa University College attack. ******************************* From “Another Chance to Be Afraid– and Trust God,” By Rachel Pieh Jones, April 13, 2015, in Christianity Today. On this past Maundy Thursday, students at a university in Garissa, Kenya gathered to pray before class. Others
745) Something To Be Afraid Of Read More »
