Voices of Faith Blog

At 86, Craig Johnson reflects with humor on aches, aging, and asking God why he’s still here. While the world equates slowing down with uselessness, Scripture points to Abraham, Moses, Simeon, and Anna as proof that God calls people in every season. Rooted in grace, not strength, our vocation continues - sometimes simply by praying, encouraging, and bearing faithful witness.

February is a month of love, but true devotion to God goes beyond rituals. “Have a Heart” explores how sincere love enables faithful stewardship, generosity, and service, rooted in Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:5, Isaiah 29:13, Ezekiel 36:26-27), and inspired by Jesus as the perfect example.

A reflection on loss, prayer, and God’s attentive grace, reminding us that nothing we bring before God, great or small, is beyond God’s care.

A message for our Lord of Life Lutheran Church brothers and sisters in Christ. Image Source: Pinecrest. My wife Kathy and I have been around a few years, more than a few, really. My career caused many transfers both in state and across state lines. From our 1964 wedding day in an ALC congregation in Lombard, Illinois, we began our family ‘s nomadic life. We belonged to two congregations in the Chicago area, three different churches in Michigan, one in Iowa, and two in Pennsyl

This article redefines New Year's goals, urging faithfulness in small things over grand ambitions. Using the Parable of the Talents, it reminds us that success comes from using our unique God-given gifts to serve others. Our true motivation is love for Christ, who gave us the ultimate gift.

This Christmas reflection on Matthew 2 explores the visit of the Magi, the meaning of true joy, and the call to worship Jesus with faith and sacrifice. It reminds readers that the star leads us not only to Bethlehem, but ultimately to Christ, the Savior of the world.

A moving reflection on childhood Christmases during World War II in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this blog post recalls wartime rationing, air raid drills, and the enduring joy of Christmas. Through memories of family, church, and candlelit worship, it proclaims the timeless Christian message that the light of Christ shines even in the darkest times.

Over the past twelve weeks, I’ve had the privilege of co-leading an in-depth Bible study on the Book of Acts at the Presbyterian Church in Milford. As we studied the remarkable growth of the early church, one chapter in particular that stood out to me was Acts 15. It’s a remarkable story about conflict, compromise, and ultimately, Christian unity. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 In Acts 15, the ea

As stewards, we are the recipients and caretakers of God’s goodness, love, mercy, and grace. Stewards are managers of God’s creation. We acknowledge God as the owner; therefore, we are to act not as owners but as managers because our lives and resources are simply on loan from Him. The book of Daniel gives an account of a man who failed to recognize God as Creator and provider and exalted himself. King Nebuchadnezzar, walking on the roof of “his” royal palace, surveying “his”

October is a beautiful month in so many ways. The air grows crisp, the trees paint the landscape with fiery colors, and the rhythms of fall bring both reflection and anticipation. But for me, October also carries a spiritual highlight, Reformation Sunday. Each year, it stirs my heart with gratitude and hope, reminding me why this day matters so deeply. Reformation Sunday is not simply a history lesson about Martin Luther nailing 95 theses to a church door in 1517. It’s not ju

Martin Luther, the author of the Reformation which we celebrate the end of October, wrote, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Perhaps those two sentences appear at first to be contradictory. What Luther was trying to help us understand is that we, as Christians, are called to freedom from an obligation to serve, but that we are called to the freedom to serve joyfully. This call to

OUR Mission in Acts 1:8 You shall be My witness to the remotest part of the earth - Acts 1:8 Well, at six thirty in our household it has been and most likely will always be Jeopardy time. Now we have been rather good church attenders and both my wife, Kathy, and I have taught Christian education over the years. So, when host Ken Jennings asked, “Where can the great commission be found in the New Testament outside of the Gospel?” without hesitation both of us start shouting. O

During Jesus’ last three years on earth, He spent much time nourishing and teaching His disciples. Only when they were prepared to go out into the world to preach, teach, and heal did He send them. Leaving without provisions, the disciples were totally dependent upon those whom the Lord would send them for their support. The disciples relied upon the power of the Gospel to move the hearts of their listeners who would willingly provide for their needs. They were to travel ligh

Reflection on the 23rd Psalm with Some AI Insight For most of my eighty-five years I have found great comfort in one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm. Its words have guided me, grounded me, and reminded me of the steadfast presence of God through every season of my life. I first came to love this Psalm while in high school and later during my many years of involvement in the Scouting movement, including my role as a God and Country merit badge

Jesus’ parting command was: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus was very direct and explicit with His mandate. There is no question as to where or with whom we are to share the Gospel. The love that God gives to us is to be shared by us with all people everywhere. He has given us our marching orders,

May this reflection inspire each of us to walk our own roads of faith with courage, hope, and with an ever-deepening awareness of the mystery and grace that surrounds our lives. At the end of the confirmation year, I always asked the confirmands to choose a Bible verse that resonated with them for their confirmation. On several occasions, our teens have asked about my own choice. Without hesitation, I’ve shared that my favorite is Psalm 23. Yet, when it comes to the Gospel o