Posts by Barbara Harper
Silence, Shouting, or Singing
My husband and I aren’t rah rah people. I didn’t care for pep rallies in school. We cheer at games, especially when our kids are playing. But otherwise, we’re pretty quiet people. I’ve cringed when I’ve occasionally heard preachers rebuke people for being more excited at a football game than at church. I understand their point, but…
Read MoreA Servant’s Heart
A visiting speaker to our church several years ago told of noticing one particular flight attendant on his trip. She seemed kind-hearted and attentive to everyone’s needs. As the preacher exited the plane, he commented to this flight attendant that he had appreciated her kindness and care of her passengers. He ended by saying, “You…
Read MoreThe Power of Words
I was surprised to hear in a song recently the line “Love doesn’t need any words.” The song went on to say that love is “proven by the things we do and not say — for actions speak louder than words.” Well, it’s true that actions can belie words. It’s true that actions and words…
Read MoreReview: Elisabeth Elliot, A Life
I’ve mentioned many times that I considered Elisabeth Elliot my “mentor from afar” for most of my adult life. I discovered her books in college, four decades ago, beginning with Through Gates of Splendor, Shadow of the Almighty, and The Journals of Jim Elliot. I’ve read almost all her books ever since, some of them…
Read MoreWhat Are You Stirred Up About?
It’s easy to get whipped into anger and indignation these days. With social media, we hear people’s conflicting opinions more than we used to. News outlets keep the injustices of the world constantly before our eyes. Some time ago, I noticed the harmful effect of stirred-up women in Acts 13:50. In the KJV this passage…
Read MoreRecommended Christmas Devotional Books
One of the main things that helps me keep a good perspective through December is reading a Christmas or Advent devotional book. Some years I’ve followed reading plans for Scripture that specifically deal with the coming of Christ, including the prophecies of His birth. I don’t have one on hand, but I’m sure there are…
Read MoreCriticism Can Be a Blessing
I didn’t hear about the first writing conference I attended until shortly before it began. As I scrambled to prepare for it, I emailed the director to ask if I could still send in a manuscript sample for critique, something most conferences offer for a fee. She graciously said yes. I’d been forewarned that I…
Read MoreWhy Doesn’t God Make Everything Clear?
I suppose people could disagree over almost every point in the Bible. But by and large, most Christians agree that much in the Bible is clear: the way of salvation, who Jesus is, how a person can know God, and so much more. All the most essential, non-negotiable doctrine is clear to those who seek…
Read MoreWhen It’s Good to Be Dependent
As parents, we ultimately work ourselves out of a job. As much as we love our children and miss them when they leave home, we want them to be able to stand on their own two feet as responsible adults. We’ll always listen, support, and help them when they need it, if we’re able. But…
Read MoreTips for Getting Out of a Devotional Rut
Do you ever chafe at the routine things you have to do? Some days I am irked at having to take a shower. I know, I know, people didn’t always bathe every day, and I don’t have to. But if I don’t, I won’t be able to stand myself before the day is over. Then…
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