Bottled-Up Dreams

Just believe. That’s all I needed for the magic to happen. Those words from the great encouragers sounded so good when I was a kid. I dreamed of all the things I could be—a doctor, a lawyer, a scientist. I could be anything I wanted to be. “Frankie,” Grampa said, “what do you want to […]

About to Die

When Peter and the disciples launched out to cross the Sea of Galilee, the skies were clear. A breeze gently rocked their boat. After a stressful day of ministry, this was the perfect opportunity for Jesus to rest his head on a cushion at the back of the boat, close his eyes, and go to […]

Peace on Earth

I’m looking for peace in the midst of my storms. One night two thousand years ago, a few shepherds tending their flocks near Bethlehem heard a host of angels with a birth announcement: “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace, good will toward men.” This was wonderful news for a community under […]

How Will It End?

Sometimes people ask if I believe Jesus will return in our lifetime. They’re talking about the second coming of the Lord described in Matthew 24:3–42, Mark 13:3–37, and Luke 21:7–36. At first, I’m amazed at the question. Do they think I know something beyond what Jesus had to say? Or maybe they want to know […]

Taking It Personally

A typhoon hits the Philippines, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, without food and water. A plane crash kills forty-seven in Laos. A famine in Africa threatens 23 million with starvation. We hear about such tragedies, but with our limited resources we can’t do much. We pray. Maybe we send a small donation. Is that enough? […]