Self-control

With so much of life now seemingly out of control, this might be a good time to think about self-control. Rembrandt paints a picture of Peter telling a lie. It is a painful reminder not only for Peter but for all of us who know that without God, life is out of control. We are … Read more

The Need for Discernment

It was Elizabeth Barrett Browning who wrote, “Earth’s crammed with heaven.” I have seen this quote truncated as such, leaving the reader with the implication that earth is like heaven only on steroids. Be assured, the quote continues and reads as follows: “Earth’s crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God, but only … Read more

Goodness and Compassion

The painting above by New York artist Laura James, depicts Jesus and the feeding of the 5000. (Matthew 14:13-21) It is the story of a miracle. Miracles break through the ordinary, everyday events of life. Like breaking bread. Like giving thanks. The abundance of life with God opens us to goodness. The word “good” is … Read more

Receiving the Vision: Everything

“His divine power has given us everything for life…” (2 Peter 1:3) Take a moment and contemplate, gaze and study with me this picture. This painting is an illustration of how that first Easter appeared to Peter and John as they ran to the empty tomb. The artwork is a classic by the nineteenth century … Read more

Receiving the Vision: Glory

“God has called us through his own glory.” (2 Peter 1:3) The word glory almost defies explanation. Yet we need that word — glory — when we think about receiving and casting a vision for life. Some may be familiar with the lament in Proverbs which says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” … Read more