… whoever believes in Him shall not perish… — John 3:16 Team Hoyt consists of a father-son squad: Dick and Rick. They race. They race a lot. Sixty-four marathons. Two hundred and six triathlons. Six triathlons at Ironman distance. Two hundred and four 10K runs. Since 1975, they’ve crossed nearly a thousand finish lines.…
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the…
Let There Be Light
We Christians know Genesis 1:1, that famous poetic flourish that informs us of God’s inexhaustible creativity: In the beginning God. Yes, out of the long primordial silence and the deep void came an eruption of life, from the darkness an explosion of radiant incandescence. “Let there be light” crackled through the cosmos, and at the…
Compassion for Friends
Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” And some of them said, “Could…
The Girl with Two Names
I have two questions to bring up in Heaven. Not complaints, because we will have no complaints. And I’m not sure we will have questions. If we do, I’d like clarity on two topics: mosquitos and middle school. Was either one necessary? Wouldn’t the world have been better off without those little blood-sucking varmints…
Whose Agenda is Our Concern Anyway?
The first petition in the Lord’s Prayer is that God’s name be hallowed. The second petition, “Your Kingdom come,” builds on the first by showing us how God’s name is hallowed in the world. God reveals His character and reputation as His Kingdom spreads to every corner of the earth and as citizens of that…
Remembering Billy Graham
Billy Graham 1918–2018 I am convinced the greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell them about God’s love for them in Christ. ~ Billy Graham It was September 14, 2001 — three days after the September 11 attacks robbed nearly three thousand people of their lives. A service of…
Flaming Torches and Living Promises
Doubt. He’s a nosy neighbor. He’s an unwanted visitor. He’s an obnoxious guest. Just when you were all prepared for a weekend of relaxation… just when you pulled off your work clothes and climbed into your Bermuda shorts… just when you unfolded the lawn chair and sat down with a magazine and a glass of…
The Heart of Worship: How Worship Works
Come Bless the Lord Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said: “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is…
What Will We Do in Heaven?
The New Heaven and the New Earth God has established an eternal home for His children where there will be no sickness or dying. Former sorrows will not be remembered as His children spend eternity in His presence, rejoicing in the New Jerusalem. Can you imagine a holy city? It will be a community where…