Child Sacrifice Then and Now
In April of last year, National Geographic Society announced a find in Peru of what appears to be the largest mass child sacrifice in history. According to archaeologists, over 140 children were slain as a part of some ritual by the Chimu Empire 550 years ago. Although research is…
Probing the Depths of God’s World and Word
Here in the Shenandoah Valley, we are blessed with many caves. Our karst limestone topography has yielded numerous underground rooms and passageways that crisscross beneath our feet without our knowledge. Several of these caverns are open to the public and provide tours into the subterranean world of wonders below us. …
Pianos, Soundboards, and Us
A few years back a baby grand piano showed up at a local thrift shop. One of the generous couples in our church with huge hearts offered to buy and donate it to the congregation for use in our worship services. We were all very excited and thankful for this…
What To Drop For New Years
It’s hard to believe another year is nearly in the books. Twelve months ago we were peering into the unknown days of 2018 and now nearly all of them are complete. If you’re going to accomplish a goal or keep last year’s resolution, you’d better get busy for the time…
The Doorway To Jesus
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only a few days away! For those who aren’t fully ready, the hours are limited and the rush is on! Shopping, wrapping, decorating, caroling, visiting, eating, and traveling are now down to their final moments. In all the busyness, don’t forget to meditate…
Just A Little Lump of Clay
The little lump of clay sat patiently awaiting the potter’s attention. As he did so, he began to anticipate what he might become. Perhaps the craftsman would shape him into a large wide pot to store freshly harvested grain that would be ground into flour to feed the family. Perhaps…
Hearing From God
Last month, Nancy and I enjoyed an incredible bucket list trip to Israel to literally walk many of the places where Jesus Himself walked. We entered the Bethlehem cave where very ancient tradition says He was actually born and we visited Capernaum to see the excavations of the very house…
Clearing Our Charges
A few years back, Nancy and I traveled to Germany for a friend’s wedding. While we were there, we also took in a side trip to Switzerland, Austria, and Lichtenstein. It was a wonderful trip that continues to bring smiles every time we remember it. To enable us to get…
Striving For Insignificance
One component that has been added to our turkey, dressing, and gravy Thanksgiving traditions is an NFL football game. After the large noon meal, many gather around their televisions to let their stomachs begin the work of digesting all that their taste buds enjoyed. May the best team win and…
God Is Still At Work!
Five years ago next month, over one hundred concerned citizens met near Woodstock to discuss the challenges of homelessness in our community. God enabled the seeds planted at that initial gathering to quickly sprout and speedily bear good fruit through what now is Family Promise of Shenandoah County. This ministry…