Phnom Penh Pals: Team Helm in Cambodia

One of my favorite moments: when a U.S. customs officer looks up, smiles, and says, "Welcome back." After days (years?) of travel, something inside me heaves a contented sigh. The past few days, I've been collecting similar moments. Flushing toilet paper. A flight attendant with an American accent, which means neither of us are straining to understand or be understood. Driving a vehicle. Feeling cold (or anything except sweaty). Watching seasons change. Our kids splashing in a bathtub. Thick carpet under tired feet. An engagement ring back on my finger after traveling half way around the world with my parents for repair. Our kids jamming to the radio in the backseat. Silence. Setting up conversations without having to calculate time zone differences. Snuggling under a thick blanket. The joy of children seeing snowflakes again (in May). A fresh breeze of clean air. Sunlight after 6 P.M. As we find ourselves unexpectedly in the U.S. for medical treatment, we are thankfu

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” the Lord asked (Acts 9:4).  In Saul’s conversion, the Lord revealed to Saul the depths of his own depravity, which was eclipsed by the subsequent revelation of the infinite Grace of God.   Saul, now blind, realized the extent to which he had been spiritually blind.  Formerly, he held to the law of Moses. He did not understand the wonderful love and grace of God as demonstrated on the Cross of Jesus Christ.  God blinded Paul to force him to realize that he was already blind.  God wants us all to learn this same lesson through Paul’s story.  Believers and unbelievers are both guilty of blasphemy.  Christians persecute the Lord by disobeying Him, daily contributing to the wrath against sin Jesus experienced on the cross.  Our disobedience literally hurts our Lord.  Unbelievers persecute Jesus by serving false gods.  Believers persecute Jesus by failing to obey Him.  This truth should guard believers against hypocrisy.    Jesus did not save beli