Thoughts

Eternity in Their Hearts:  Startling Evidence of Belief in the One True God in Hundreds of Cultures Throughout the World by Don Richardson My rating: 4 of 5 stars The book offered fascinating accounts of the awareness that nations who have never heard of Jesus Christ have of the gospel. It was, to me, an encouragement for three reasons. First, it connected what is sometimes a distant, ancient, and admittedly sometimes repetitive message to the contemporary experiences of people-groups with whom I've shared this earth. This has brought the gospel to life in ways I did not expect, making it far more real to me than I have felt in a long time. Second, I have seen God more clearly, as one who loves all people wholeheartedly and pursues them--and me-- driven by that love. Third, as a result of these renewed understandings of the gospel and God, I have felt an increased sense of purpose for my own life, specifically that God wants me to be apart of his effort to express his love fo...

Mother Theresa once said that we should never let others come to us without us leaving them better. This is easier said than done. People can catch us in inopportune times, in times of busyness, when we’re least likely to forgive them for a misstep and most likely to snap because of some interruption. They find us in poor moods, when the circumstances of our days have clouded our better judgment and encouraged us to respond curtly, and even in anger. If we’re not careful, we even begin to see others as obstacles rather than allies, as burdens instead of potential friends. Still, there is a profound wisdom in the practice of mercy. The simple act of ignoring a slight-- or, even better, of responding with warmth to the awkward moments in others’ lives when their faults are laid bare before us—teaches us more about grace than any treatise, sermon, or exposition ever could; and when we pay close enough attention to it in others, it forces us also to stop and begin to consider those around ...