belief – Page 3 – 300 words a day

How to think about what is right.

( First published April 11, 2016) In one of his letters, Paul tells the readers to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. It’s a nice list. But many of us struggle with application. I want to suggest that when Paul talks about focusing on what is right, […]

by Jon Swanson

A muddle in the middle.

(First published November 17, 2010.) I love stories about people praying and then having answers. It’s exciting. I mean, think about this story: Paul writes a letter to some people in Rome. He talks about his travel schedule and his desire to visit them. And he asks them to pray for him. Pray that I may be […]

by Jon Swanson

My Grandfather’s Bible

(First published November 30, 2010) Over the weekend, I was given a Bible. It’s worn. There is a handwritten date inside: 1914. This was one of my great-grandfather’s Bibles. It was given to my grandfather at some point, and now it’s been passed to me. There are a couple things between the pages, as often […]

by Jon Swanson

Cleaning out the attic.

First published December 10, 2010. Still true today. I spent some time in the attic last weekend. It was time. Stuff accumulates. Empty boxes saved in case something breaks. A broken string trimmer saved in case someday I know how to fix it. Mugs saved because someone gave them to me . . . from […]

by Paul Merrill

Let’s just ask

He asked for healing. Jesus did what he asked. We forget the many accounts of Jesus and his actions in Matthew. (Or maybe you haven’t read them yet.) Go to Matthew 8. Two in a row – first there’s a guy with leprosy. He comes up and says to Jesus that if he’s willing, he […]