It was August 5, 2010. In the San Jose copper and gold mine in northern Chile, a forty-five story tall block of granite broke loose and plunged through the levels of the mine. Portions of the mine’s exit ramp collapsed, trapping 33 miners nearly a half-mile deep in the earth. Hector Tobar, author of “Deep…
Download Life Guide I wanted all of you to receive the Schreiner family Christmas card this year. But to save on postage, I decided to share it with you here. We really wanted to include the perfect passage to express Christmas joy, so we did some searching, and I think we nailed it. “You brood…
Download Life Guide “Drug overdoses and suicides caused drop in 2017 life expectancy.” “Christian missionary murdered in India.” “Camp Fire is deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.” “12 dead in Thousand Oaks shooting.” “7.0 magnitude earthquake rocks Alaska.” When you hear another day’s headlines that sound like this– natural disasters, war, division, persecution,…
Download Life Guide I’ve got a microphone here, and I’d like a volunteer to come up… and share all of their weaknesses and struggles with everyone. What, no takers? That’s not overly surprising. We don’t really like highlighting our weaknesses and struggles, right? Most people try burying their weaknesses so no one else sees them.…
Download Life Guide It’s Thanksgiving, and you can’t wait to celebrate with your family. Pushing through the open front door, you expect to be warmly greeted. But instead, as you enter, a few family members glance up with half-hearted smiles. Others don’t even seem to notice you. As you sit down next to someone to…
Download Life Guide Have you ever noticed the fake family photos that come inside new picture frames? They always look too perfect, don’t they? The parents are always attractive, with perfect hair and skin, wearing the most stylish clothing. I mean, check out dad’s loose tie/rolled up sleeves combo! The kids are beautiful. They’re always…
Download Life Guide When Jesus is your brother, you can’t do something wrong, and then blame it on him. When Jesus is your brother, his birth story will always be more exciting than yours. When Jesus is your brother, you can expect to hear, “Why can’t you be more like your brother Jesus?” When Jesus…
Download Life Guide Do you have your summer vacations planned yet? Whether it’s Disney or camping, your cottage or your timeshare in Hawaii, the itch really starts this time of year; that persistent voice calling, “It’s time for you to get some R&R!”—rest and relaxation. So we head off on our vacations, certain that rest…
Download Life Guide What would you say is the most unfathomable thing about God? Mysteries that are beyond our ability to logically understand? I’ll give you three choices. Would you say A.) The Triune God, that God is three distinct persons, but just one God? B.) The dual nature of Christ—that Jesus is both 100%…
Confirmands, can I tell you something really important? This is NOT your graduation. Parents, can I tell you something really important? This is NOT your kids’ graduation. Yes, there will be parties, family celebrations, and special meals. There will be cards, gifts, and pictures. You even get to wear a robe. But this is NOT…