If, at a very deep level of our hearts, we think the world of the senses—of money, metal, glass, and machines—is what really matters, we will not consider it worth it for anyone to give years of their life to learn how to spiritually care for other people.
“What if he’s some kind of serial killer?”–my Aunt Nubia inquires. I’ve just told her I am heading to O’Hare International Airport to pick up a stranger named Dan, whom I met online. “How do you propose I discern such a quality in a suitor?” I query. “Hide behind the carousel at baggage claim,” she suggests, “and watch him for a while. That should do the trick.” Giving Online Dating a Shot A month prior, I had stumbled upon Dan’s profile on a Christian singles site. I didn’t expect anything to come of it, but I was willing to...
This article is part of a series in honour of Black History Month. Early Life What kind of woman would think of becoming a missionary to Congo at age fifty-six? Maria Fearing would! Born into slavery in Alabama in 1838, she served as a house servant to William and Amanda Winston. From her mistress, she learned the Presbyterian catechism, Bible stories, and tales of missionaries in Africa. The latter left a lasting impression upon her. Life Following Emancipation Maria gained her freedom at age twenty-seven, shortly after the end of the American Civil War. She learned to read in...
In the closing chapters of Scripture, we learn that one day the Lord will wipe every tear from our eyes (Rev 21:4). We all await that day with great anticipation. But until then, we live in a fallen, broken, messed-up world. We endure sorrow and grief and injustice and abuse. And, on the hard days, we may shed our fair share of tears. We may battle anxiety, fear, doubt, bitterness, anger, or despair. We may wonder if God hears. If he cares. One of Satan’s most insidious lies is that God has abandoned us in our suffering. But has he?...
In a previous article on an overview of the Book of Psalms, I mentioned that Psalms 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the Psalter. Many scholars believe that they are one literary unit and that together they form an acrostic, which begins and ends with a blessing: Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the man who…” Psalm 2:12b – “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” And in between, the psalmist presents a contrast between two ways. The way of the wise person (1:1-3), and the way of the wicked person (1:4-6); the way of the foolish nation...
