Lord Jesus, we remember Your loneliest of nights— one friend, a traitor; the others asleep when at last the hour came. We remember how You prayed alone— the sweat dripping like blood, your lips pleading to be spared, Your purpose muddled with emotions. We remember Your bravery— staring into unknown darkness, human instincts crashing down … Continue reading The Loneliest Night
Good people know their place and would never touch me, much less look me in the eye, probably for fear of contamination. They speak mostly of me—not to me— and then, of course, only from a holy distance. I am a sinner. In averting their eyes, they never see me— never see my awkward hands, … Continue reading Friend of Sinners
“What is this I’ve heard about you—stepping down? I’m surprised. You know You have the best position around—unparalleled prestige and all the benefits anyone could ever want. Please tell me you won’t give that up. Think of your potential, your gifts. You are more talented than anyone I know. It wouldn’t be right to let … Continue reading Advice
Jerusalem, rejoice! Shout the praises of your God for He has heard your voice. He has seen your crying in the night. At last, your King has come! We have waited for you, LORD, We have watched for generations, bound by the hands of pagans, crushed beneath the feet of our enemies. And now our … Continue reading Arrival of the King
Why does it hurt so much— this life? Designed for glory, but ignoring the instructions of the Engineer, we feasted on forbidden fruit. ... Built for one thing, used for another— no wonder we are broken. .
Little hopes grow like weeds— looking pretty in the grass. Must we weed them out? Pull them up today, and they’ll be back tomorrow, anyway, whimsical as ever. Of course, they may die some time, but so will the flowers. I’ve a mind to let them stay— a yard full of color in a dull … Continue reading Little Hopes
Words— strong words— calling worlds out of nothing. • Words— hopeful words— breathing light into darkness. • Words— skillful words— carving skies out of the water. • Words— artistic words— sketching land and all her foliage. • Words— adorning words— racing space-ward, hanging lanterns. • Words— accomplished words— birds in flight, and fish that swim. … Continue reading The Poetry of Beginning
The Name of the LORD towers above the world, an unbreakable fortress, the refuge of those who love Him. Run to Him, cherished children, and rest your hearts from every fear. Then let Doubt roar— let him shoot his flaming arrows; let him ride out against our God. So what if the earth trembles beneath … Continue reading Meditation on Proverbs 18:10
The distance between us is too much, if only 6 feet— close enough to speak, far enough to breathe— or choke on the pain of solitary confinement. Prison walls, at least, are kind, politely hiding what we may not have. But here the air is far too clear, showcasing glories I could not see before, … Continue reading Distanced
Idols crash, and darkness takes the lands. But birds sing; and still the oak tree stands. Nature does not fear— she is safe in gentle, sovereign hands.
