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In my book Heaven, I share how years ago, Nanci read me letters we’d never before seen translated, written in 1920 by her grandmother Anna Swanson to her family in Sweden. Anna suffered severe health problems. While she was in Montana, cared for by relatives, her husband, Edwin, was in Oregon, working and caring for their seven children day and night.

Randy writes, “Death is not a natural part of life as God intended it. It is the unnatural result of evil.” Would it be too Calvinistic of me to say, “I disagree”? Saying death was outside God’s plan would suggest He did not have control, and that something could thwart His plan.

I recently had the privilege of visiting the Joni and Friends headquarters in Agoura Hills, California. While I was there, I was asked to record a few episodes for their podcast, including one about the journey Nanci and I have been on since her diagnosis with colon cancer in early 2018.  We talked about our relationship, hope, and practical ways to encourage those who are facing similar challenges.

In 2020, Randy gave a message for the Kingdom Advisors 2020 Annual Conference on 1 Timothy 6.

Most of us don’t give focused thought to evil and suffering until we experience them. This forces us to formulate perspective on the fly, at a time when our thinking is muddled and we’re exhausted and consumed by pressing issues. Those of you who have “been there” will attest that it’s far better to think through suffering in advance.

In my experience, when I have followed the Lord step by step, He has provided the courage I needed in increments. He’s the one who tells us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).  

Those who choose to follow Jesus instead of their own path enjoy the peace and freedom of living the way He made us to live. And one day they will receive what they want most: life with Him on the New Earth where all the old bad stuff will be wiped away.

The idea that joy and happiness are synonyms can be radical to many readers. In response to a post I shared about happiness, a sincerely concerned person wrote me, “Joy, peace, and contentment do not equal happiness.” To some, the difference between the two words is as central as believing in the deity of Christ or the resurrection!

Will our judgment of works be private, or will our friends and family witness and know what God says to us?

In this video clip, Randy gives a message on what it means to be the light of the world. Jesus as the source and primary light, believers as a secondary light and reflection of His glory. 

We’re called to a life of endurance empowered by Christ, and accompanied by joyful thanksgiving. Endurance requires patience, because reward for today’s right choices will come, but it may be months or years from now, or not until we leave this world.

Many people have experienced the pain of a child who has walked away from Jesus. The following article was written by a dear and godly friend of our ministry, in response to someone who asked how she prayed for her son throughout his years of wandering. 

Dr. Jefferson’s voice is timeless, and she needs to be heard today more than ever. Her message is pro–child, pro–woman, pro-African-American, and just plain pro-human. I wept at the eloquence and above all the truth and power of her words. Just listen and I think you’ll see why.

Bringing everyone the “good news of happiness” about Jesus shouldn’t be seen as a grim duty, but as a sheer delight and a privilege. After all, the gospel is the best news there has ever been or ever will be!