My Christian life: Finding real Christmas joy while in the hospital
A hospital stay during Christmas helps a pastor focus on real Christmas joy. “Please, Lord, please let next Christmas be different.” On Dec. 12, 2020, I was admitted to the…
Don’t turn away
Journeying with Jesus to the cross is not a pretty sight. It’s uncomfortable. It’s necessary. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. As a school-aged girl, I attended a passion play with family…
Devotion: Joyful repentance
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their…
The book of James: When facing trials
DID YOU EVER hear anything so strange? “Consider it pure joy,” James said, “whenever you face trials of many kinds” (1:2). To some that sounds about as sensible as stepping…
A thought: Joy and peace today and everyday
It’s been a test for us all. It included self-quarantine and social distancing. All the while businesses were closed, and contacts with friends and family became digital. Churches stood empty…
God’s forgiveness
Guilt from an abortion consumed a woman until she began to believe and hold on to God’s promise of forgiveness. Pamela K. Manske A soft, gentle rain was falling that…