An article in the Gazette, the local Colorado Springs newspaper, caught my attention. The article entitled, “O’er the fields we go”, opened with the following words – “At 27 of Colorado’s 42 state parks on January 1, you’ll find rangers ready to lead you on a First Day Hike, sun or snow.” As I read […]
We’re all familiar with the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” At this Christmas time of year, we’re reminded of John’s words in his gospel as he describes the birth of Jesus – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (1:14). In this case the reverse is certainly true; the […]
As I sit to write these words this morning, I’m “catching my breath” and enjoying a few hours of relative quietness and a slowed down pace. In the last two months Joyce’s and my schedule has included several important trips to be with our OC family in different parts of the world: Southern California, Hume […]
No doubt as you read these devotional thoughts from the “Pastor’s Pen” you’ve noted I often draw my reflections from my readings in the Psalms. I definitely find my heart responding to and identifying with the interactions the writers of the Psalms have with the Lord. So, once again these remarks spring from one of […]
In Psalm 32 we have words of blessing for those whose sins have been confessed and forgiven and the Lord’s protection in times of trouble for those who trust in Him. While reading the Psalm recently, my attention was drawn to a phrase in v. 7 – “You are my hiding place… and surround me […]
Psalm 22, in part, is clearly one of those Old Testament passages that prophetically point forward to the Lord Jesus Christ. In this case, in the first two-thirds of the Psalm there are several graphic statements that describe Jesus’ passion for us on the cross. In a recent reading of this Psalm I was struck […]
In my recent reading through I Corinthians, I was struck by a phrase in chapter 7. Before considering the phrase, first a brief word about the context. People have come from all kinds of backgrounds into this newborn body of believers. Some were from a Jewish background, others Gentiles; some married and others single; some […]
During our sabbatical, two attention-getting events happened related to the passing of time. First, I turned 70 back in December and, secondly, we had five friends/supporters die during the five months of our sabbatical. As of this week, a sixth dear friend, mentor and supporter has passed away. In light of these realities, I’ve been […]
At Christmas time as we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, our mind turns toward family and friends. So, today, my mind has turned toward you as part of our worldwide OC family. Allow me to share a few thoughts that hopefully will minister to you in these days. As one reads the Biblical […]
