A Shameful Silence
Prior to World War II, pacifist groups like the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonites, the FOR (an interfaith pacifist group committed to social justice), and the Religious Society of…
The King of Glory: Help When You Are Tempted to Seize Control (Ps 24)
Read Psalm 24: A Psalm of David. 1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon…
Afghanistan, Vietnam, and the Sovereignty of God
Last week’s horrific images and accounts of America’s military retreat from Afghanistan raised many comparisons with the Fall of Saigon in the 1970’s. My wife was less than a year…
To a Place Unknown: Evacuation
Despite an uncertain future, Japanese American Christians faced their evacuation with a faith defined by the author of Hebrews: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction…
Our Good Shepherd: Help in the Valley of Death (Ps 23)
Read Psalm 23: A Psalm of David 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still…
The Christian Answer to Suffering
Rev. Dr. E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973) was a former Methodist missionary to India who penned a well-received book, The Christ of the Indian Road. He was also a good friend…
Counsel from the Cross: Help for the Abused (Ps 22)
Read Psalm 22: The Pleas of TurmoilThe Prayers of TrustThe Praise of ThanksgivingAbandonment (vv. 1-2) God’s past faithfulness (vv. 3-5) Abuse (vv. 6-8) God’s personal sustenance (vv. 9-11) Anguish (vv. 12-18) God’s present answers to prayer…
We Shall Have Our Easter
Rev. John Misao Yamazaki (1884-1985) served in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Los Angeles for parts of five decades. He pastored the church before the war from 1913 to 1942,…
New Pilgrims
In April 1921, Rev. Kengo Tajima (1884-1961) was sent to continue the work of the Japanese Church of Christ in Salt Lake City begun by Rev. Hidenobu Toyotome. Tajima’s ministry…
Neither Chariots Nor Horses (Psalms 20-21)
Read Psalms 20–21: A Psalm of David. Psalm 20 – 1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!…