John Woodward
Freedom From Addiction (Part 1)
Once, when our family was stranded along the side of the highway, I learned more about the art of towing. The first tow truck that arrived could not pull our van, since our rear wheel was broken. As we waited for the next one–a flat bed truck which literally carried the whole van to the…
Read MoreTransforming Irritations
When I went off to Florida Bible College after high school, I roomed with two older fellows. They were both very old (25 and 31). 🙂 Also, both were veterans of the military. The younger one was a Marine, no less. When I forgot to make my bed, I got a note taped to my…
Read MoreExchange Rate
In our travels to other nations we usually get some currency to use while in their country. My most recent trip required an exchange of US funds to Euros. Depending on the country and its economy, there are various exchange rates that banks offer. This concept of “exchanging” echoes missionary Hudson Taylor’s reference to abundant…
Read MoreA Matter of Death and Life
In a Christian music video, “Watch the Lamb”, there are some dramatic scenes accompanying this song that portray the story of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21).[1] He was walking into Jerusalem on Friday morning and found himself on the Via Dolorosa (the route to the place of crucifixion). As the Gospels record, Jesus–weakened from the…
Read MoreFinding Soul Rest
Friends who went camping described their enjoyable get-away. When I asked if they slept in a tent or trailer, they told me that they used hammocks. They tied the fabric between trees, suspended above the ground—a comfortable way to relax and get a good night’s sleep. What a picture of rest. We need times of…
Read MoreUnblocking the Springs
One of the vivid metaphors the Lord Jesus used to describe the abundant life is that of “rivers of living waters.” As Jesus declared, “‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But…
Read MoreLife’s Greatest Purpose
Churches worship teams and choirs usually meet weekly to practice the music for Sunday. Since heaven is filled with the glorious praise of God, how about doing some practice right now? Psalm 29:1 gives us the vocal warm up: “Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give…
Read MoreThe Believer’s Secure Refuge
One of my favorite memories of a ministry trip to Scotland is of the majestic Edinburgh castle. I have a tea towel with a print of the castle featuring a bag piper and the lyrics of “Amazing Grace.” Such a castle is an emblem of the refuge that God’s grace provides to the believing sinner!…
Read MoreThe Rainbow of Redemption
One of nature’s most beautiful scenes is the rainbow. Recently I was in a thunder storm that was followed by a brilliant rainbow. It should remind us of God judgment that sent the Flood on a totally corrupted world, and His promise to never again destroy the world by water. As God promised Noah, “The…
Read MoreFuture Grace
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to take many airplane flights. One of the lingering impressions is the sight of eager faces circling the airport’s doorway, waiting for those who are deplaning. As passengers come into view they are greeted with delighted shouts and joyful hugs. If parting is “such sweet sorrow,” then reunion…
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