The destruction caused by the 7.0 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti rises beyond what we are able to comprehend. Destroyed houses and suffering people are evident in every news report we watch. Thousands dead; hundreds of thousands homeless; a nation’s flickering efforts at economic growth snuffed out. It is not the first tragedy we have witnessed or experienced, but for this week it is the biggest.

Yet, it is imperative that we pause and look at tragedy in a different light. There is a positive side to the catastrophe in Haiti.

#1 — We are reminded of the compassion and generosity of people. Millions of dollars and hundreds of adoptive parents are rising to the occasion. Would they have without the crisis?

#2 — We observe unity borne of necessity. People from all backgrounds and nations with divergent policies [...]

It was January 13 and Frank and Cindy had gone outside to look around after the ice storm was over. The night was clear and very cold. Returning to the cozy confines of their den and sipping on hot cups of coffee, the couple began sharing their recent observations. Frank said, “Did you see those trees that were uprooted by the weight of the ice? I bet we will have some roof damage, and I sure hope the pipes under the house don’t freeze tonight.” Almost oblivious to her spouse’s grumblings, Cindy exclaimed, “Weren’t the stars beautiful?”

They both were standing in the yard surrounded by the same icy devastation, but there was one key difference. Frank was looking at the damage, while Cindy was looking at the stars.

Exactly the same thing happened, when the twelve [...]

We have all heard the story of the Good Samaritan many times in our lives. Let me ask, “What was the real difference between the priest, Levite, and the Samaritan?” They were all travelling the same road. They all had responsibilities and schedules to keep. They all saw the injured man on the side of the road. However, while the priest and Levite looked, the Samaritan got involved. He was the only one who acted.

James describes a similar situation in 2:15-17, “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is [...]

Most of us are familiar with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each year PNC Bank calculates the costs involved in the gifts mentioned in the lyrics. This year a partridge in a pear tree would cost you $159.99, while three French hens would cost $45. With the increase in gold five gold rings would set you back $499.95. I don’t know where to hire them, but ten lords a-leaping are priced at $4413.61. PNC estimates that it would cost $21,456.56 to purchase one set of each of the gifts. The cumulative cost of all 364 gifts exceeds $87,000.

While we will not likely shop for that list, most of us will spend considerable time and money trying to find the perfect gift(s) for those we love. It seems to me that the real value [...]

As Jesus washed His disciples’ feet in the upper room, He commented, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter” (John 13:7). There are many times in our lives where the pieces just don’t seem to fit together. Like children who lack maturity and experience, we don’t comprehend the events that surround us.

William Cowper, great hymn writer of the 18th Century, suffered from serious bouts of depression. By the age of six he had experienced the death of three older siblings and witnessed the death of his mother, as she gave birth to her fifth child. As a young adult, three times William unsuccesfully attempted suicide.

Years later these events would help shape the lyrics of one of his most famous songs:

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;

He [...]