“If I held in my hands the power to eliminate physical pain from the world,” said Dr. Paul Brand, “I would not exercise it.” (Paul Brand & Philip Yancey, The Gift of Pain, p. 219). And what qualifies him to say something so sweeping, so comprehensive? Just think...
Have you ever had the experience of feeling that you are the “odd person out”? You have to attend a professional meeting or something you feel you should attend but would prefer to skip it. But you can’t. You have to attend. Others stand around talking, laughing, and...
One of my memories of growing up was the trip to my grandmother's house, two doors down from Mrs. Schuler's house, where I took piano lessons. Among the pool of memories I will always treasure, is the platter of oatmeal cookies that Grandma always had available. After...
Jim Warren, like thousands of other people, believed in God. In fact, he went to church—not every Sunday, but most Sundays. He was a good man. He worked hard to support his family. He was faithful to his wife, Ruth, and occasionally took his boys fishing. Jim really...
When Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by the power of the devil, He countered with a question: “If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then,” he asked, “can his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:26). As He often did, Jesus...
"Do you know the difference between a lawyer and God?" asks a comedian, and when someone says, "No, what?" he responds, "God knows he's not a lawyer." While most folks (excluding you, who are attorneys) may smile at that, a great many people today tend to play god. ...
When Terry Anderson was taken captive by a guerilla group, little did he realize that he would be enduring what no one should ever be subjected to. Anderson, age 40 at the time, had been the chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press. Soon after he was...
Everybody these days is subject to stress. Whether you live in Manila, Tokyo, or Los Angeles, you live at a faster pace than at any time in history. It's the traffic, the pressures and stress of life, along with family stress that can cause you to reach the boiling...
The difference between an oak and a bonsai—apart from their size—is the root system. Whereas the bonsai may be interesting, perhaps even curiously captivating, it is the oak that has strength that endures the test of time and is there after the fire, the drought, and...
William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was once asked. “What’s your secret?” Booth thought pensively for a moment and said, “God has had all there was of me!” Few can really say that. But some can, with all honesty and candor. One of my spiritual heroes,...