Following Jesus
Trust
Throw down
I will never forget the evening I came home from work to find my young wife very sick. Just weeks before, the happy expectation to soon welcome our first child had been dashed. Our unborn child had not developed correctly and caused my wife to contract a rare but aggressive form of cancer. Hoping that … Continue reading
The Power of Trust
Vishal from India was visiting in Holland. One day his Dutch host invited him to come along while he was getting some fresh milk. The cleanliness of the dairy immediately impressed Vishal. It had about hundred cows but there was hardly any smell. Even more surprising to him was the fact that there were no … Continue reading
It’s okay—the Lord was with us!
“Watch out,” my friend shouted, telling me in no uncertain terms to pull the car over. He had noticed that I had drifted toward oncoming traffic, warning me just in time to move back to the right lane. Our families were returning from a few days of vacation after Christmas. Unfortunately, I had not felt … Continue reading
Can I still trust God when I’m suffering?
One of the toughest parts of pastoral ministry for me is to find words of comfort and encouragement for those who experience suffering, sickness and loss. The question of “why” was my family member taken away from me by this tragic accident, horrible sickness or senseless act of violence, most often finds no answer. When … Continue reading
God’s epic story
“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” Oh really? Don’t these last two lines of William Ernest Henley’s Poem “Invictus” seem utterly stupid? Is he the author of his own life? No, God, the Creator is the author and sustainer of life. Although there are many people who … Continue reading
What on earth am I here for?
Have you ever considered what your life is all about? Are you here to seek personal fulfillment, peace of mind, happiness, a great career (making good money)? Are you looking for a wonderful family with everybody healthy, loved and financially cared for? The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of … Continue reading
Happy New Year!
The end of one year and the beginning of another is usually cause for reflection, but the happenings of the September 11, 2001 make these considerations take on a new dimension. The sense of security that was enjoyed before the ominous date has been replaced by one of vulnerability, insecurity and fear. Leaders of this … Continue reading
Where were you God?
The recent horrific events have no doubt caused many to ask questions like this one. Where you asleep God, or on vacation or did you just not pay attention? Interestingly enough, these questions seem to be asked mostly by people who may not think or care about God when things run smoothly in their lives. … Continue reading
How to get to Rome
Anyone who has ever tried to get to a destination and met with construction delays, accidents or obstacles of different kinds knows the frustration. What a waste of time to be stuck in a traffic jam. In Acts 23:11 Paul received a specific word of direction from God while he was in Jerusalem. The Lord … Continue reading
NO FEAR
Maybe you’ve seen these two words printed on a popular brand of T-shirt or you even own one. When I first noticed the shirts , I asked myself, whether conquering our fears is as easy as wearing one of them. If we are honest, we are daily faced with a number of fears. Fear of … Continue reading
Somebody is watching out for you
Big birds, especially eagles have always fascinated me. They are majestic creations to look at whether they are perching on a branch, building a nest or soaring in flight. In an effort to make my jogging route a little more interesting, (to run in circles somehow doesn’t convey the feeling of making progress), I staked … Continue reading
Following Jesus 
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