Ever increasing numbers of older Americans begin a slow walk down “the long gray hallway” years before their symptoms are diagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Alzheimer’s, a significant cause of dementia among older people, “is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living.” ...  Read More

“As the cross is the sign of submission, so the towel is the sign of service” (Richard Foster). The author of the Celebration of Discipline confronts us with our own human frailty when he challenges the viral attitude of superiority that so often infects our hearts in subtle ways. He states that most of us are comfortable with not being the greatest, but we recoil at the thought that we must be t...  Read More

“It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us. He understands us perfectly” (Phillip Keller). Do we, however, understand him? Thankfully, John provides us with another clear image of Christ’s ministry and purpose in the 10th chapter of his gospel. This section contains the fourth, “I am” statement. Our savior makes the point that he...  Read More

“What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul/what wondrous love is this, O my soul!/ What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss/to bear the dreadful curse for my soul...” These are words to a hymn based upon Isaiah 53:6 (What Wondrous Love is This). Perhaps you have never considered the depth of meaning in that tune, so we will today! Isaiah 53 contains a large portion of what h...  Read More

Recall the words of our Lord, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). Peter echoes Christ’s claim and states that rejection by the world should not deter us from remaining steadfastly committed to the Lord. Why? God has named Christ the “chief cornerstone” (2:6). While we may not fully comprehend the value of this principle, we will learn its importance for our ...  Read More

“What kind of people will you be allowing in the buildings?” This question was raised by a business owner with whom I had a discussion about an outside meeting, and his underlying message was quite clear. I also encountered similar questions, on occasion, when I served as a pastor. I sought to be diplomatic with my response to the businessperson, but James did not hold back in his condemnation of ...  Read More

Hills church (later Hillsong Worship) recorded the song, “Shout to the Lord” in February 1994. Some of the most powerful words are: “My Jesus, my Savior/Lord there is none like You/All of my days, I want to praise/The wonders of Your mighty love.” Are you like me? I have already begun to sing the chorus, “Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing.” It is estimated that the song is sung by 30 mil...  Read More

“The strength of a man’s virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts” (Blaise Pascal). I believe that these words hold true for an individual and a nation. Governing is extraordinarily difficult in times of calm, but it must be overwhelming in times of great stress. It should not surprise us today to be reminded that the ruin of a great people and nation rarely...  Read More

On 17 June, 1812, some 208 years ago, the brig Caravan sailed into the harbor at Calcutta, four months after embarking from Salem, Massachusetts. Its safe arrival was remarkable, for war seemed to be everywhere, threatening its passage. Napoleon and his French army, menace to all of Europe, was suffering defeat at the hands of the Russians. South Americans were rising in force to follow Simon Boli...  Read More

The word “legacy” rises to the surface of discussions in politics, business, and even in families because people are concerned with leaving something beneficial behind when they pass off the scene. Such a heritage is meant to guide future generations in their decisions for the good. Paul makes an interesting “legacy” statement to Timothy in this power-packed section of his letter. Let’s examine it...  Read More

Humankind the world over longs for the day when justice will rain down and nourish all of the earth. The psalmist teaches what our Savior instructed his disciples to pray—your kingdom come! I imagine that you are like me and long for the day when God will restore order to the disorder around us. The Reformer, John Calvin once wrote, “It is therefore our bounden duty to beseech him to restore to or...  Read More

Christian joy enables us to display buoyancy despite wave after wave of overwhelming tribulation (1:12-26). Our “world” has been inundated with rolling tides of trials in 2020. We have experienced a major pandemic, 40+ million Americans out of work, numerous destructive storms, and massive rioting and property destruction. All of this has occurred in the first five months of the year! I would have...  Read More