Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:3 Many countries in West Africa have been dealing with armed conflict in recent years. Even so, peace is deeply rooted in our traditions. In the past, each commun

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2In Jesus day people despised the local tax collectors for collaborating with the Romans, who had taken over their nation. The tax collectors could also overc

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1I live in the country of Burkina Faso. In Sabou, a village west of the capital, Ouagadougou, the crocodiles are considered sacred. No one in the village kills them, and t

We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. . . . Hebrews 12:1This month we have focused on serving as Jesus witnesses. Jesus ended his ministry on earth by commissioning his followers to be his witnesses in their immediate area, in the su

The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there. Zechariah 8:5The Sabbath day is a good time to be reminded of the importance of play. While our work and service are important in life, play is also important for the health of our

She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed. Matthew 9:21I am part of a group of pastors who gather each year for a retreat. Our routine is always the same: we grab breakfast in a local diner, play some pick-up hockey at the lo

Then Philip . . . told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:35Valerie sat in my study for the first time. With excitement, she introduced herself and said, I have met God, and he has changed my life. But then she asked me the question that was on

Young man, I say to you, Get up! Luke 7:14I am not a morning person. I wish I were. I have learned to get up early out of necessity, but it takes some time and coffee to get me going.In our reading from Luke 7 today, we see a remarkable awakenin

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Acts 1:8A radio show once asked, If you could choose between having the power of invisibility or flight, which would you choose? Most answers were not flashy or heroic. Some people said th

He has anointed me to proclaim good news. . . . Luke 4:18As I sat with a group of pastors in a Central American country, I found myself deeply convicted by their stories. They had come from a tradition that focused on knowing Christ as your persona