Ben Cooper is an award-winning writer. He is the author of All Nature Sings: A Devotional Guide to Animals in the Bible (Christian Faith Publishing), and the children’s book series, Created Critters (Shine-A-Light Press). He is a regular contributing author for Guidepost's: All God’s Creatures. He is a contributing devotional writer for VineWords. Ben is a speaker, educator, beekeeper, and active in his church, Christian camping ministries, and ministry in Pakistan. He is a monthly guest on PJNET.tv. Father of five adult children, he and his wife Sonia live in southern Penna.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. ~Ecclesiastes 3:4 KJV Spinning our young kids in a circle on the kitchen floor was a common occurrence. Our youngest daughter would say, “Spin me, Daddy!” The process was simple. By placing my hand behind her bent knee as she lay on the floor, I could spin her around fast. She loved spinning. As she grew older, we danced on that same … Continue reading →
Ask and it will be given to you. ~Matthew 7:7 ESV Having two daughters in their twenties, my wife and I knew the day would eventually come. A young man knocked on our door and presented a question to me. A sense of power inhabits hearing someone asking permission for my daughter’s hand in marriage. It was the next logical step in their relationship. But the surprising part is that this is still a thing. Our soon-to-be son-in-law impressed me … Continue reading →
But only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. ~Revelation 21:27 ESV The property we purchased thirty-six years ago has historic value. Remnants of the iron furnace structure remain, which once served as the foundation of our small community. Two hundred years ago, Union Mining Company operated the furnace that employed most of the town’s inhabitants. Historic Value I find things on my property dating back to when the iron furnace was in full swing. One day, … Continue reading →
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ~Matthew 4:19 ESV A nearby road remains relatively easy to travel for 364 days out of the year. However, on the opening day of trout season, it becomes lined with vehicles along the nearby, swift-moving stream. This stretch of highway impedes non-fishing drivers like me, causing us to slow down. Anglers brave the cold weather and even colder water with rods, hip waders, and tackle … Continue reading →
“Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. ~John 18:26b – 27 ESV I delivered four young roosters to a family that wanted them. Having five crowing roosters constantly in verbal competition was getting too noisy for us. One was enough for our small flock. Often, when I am working outside and hear our rooster crowing, I am reminded of the prophecy Jesus made to Peter the night … Continue reading →
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ~Colossians 3:2 ESV Like and Dislikes We all have different likes and dislikes. But having them makes us unique and provides variety in life. So, what interests you? We can choose to watch each Chiefs game to see if Taylor Swift is watching Travis Kelce from her private booth in the stands. Or we can tune in to the procedures leading up to who will … Continue reading →
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Change usually happens gradually, but sometimes, it comes instantaneously. Then, the next thing you know, we have choices to make. That special guy takes you to your favorite spot, then suddenly drops to one knee and opens a velvet-covered box, exposing a diamond ring. Next thing you know, you are sending out wedding invitations and … Continue reading →
Prior to the coming of the Messiah, the priest had to repeat the same duties for the same people over and over, year after year. Those sacrifices were only a temporary fix to an ongoing problem. The High priest was constantly on his feet in service for the needs of the people, and no doubt he was worn out at the end of the day. ..
Continue reading →But for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 ESV All we could do was watch, wait, and pray. My wife and I became empty nesters when our last two children moved out and shared an apartment. Doing so was a huge step for them and us. Thirty-one years had passed since we’d been on our own. I now notice things I once didn’t: … Continue reading →
I set a goal to see with my own eyes a live example of our threatened national symbol in their own natural habitat.
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