Jesus faced the greatest test of faith in His life. He did not look forward to the events that would culminate in His own funeral.  He knew exactly what was coming. Betrayal. Shame. Torture. Trauma. Thirst. Loneliness. Death.  How could He look at that and not flinch?  How do we handle the great challenges to…

The Strength of Kindness The prayer was one of the most expressive and the words were memorable. It was uttered by a man who had only recently become a Christian. His tall impressive frame reflected confidence and success as he walked before the congregation. His voice conveyed the note of sincerity as he said, “Dear…

It is known within the Virginia State Highway Patrol that sometimes officers sneak away for a game of golf. One officer had forgotten which course his friend said to meet him. When he called his friend’s office, the receptionist said, “I’m sorry; Dan’s away from his desk.” Knowing she would not admit where Dan was,…

Things are Looking Up Paul and Timothy were great friends. Paul converted Timothy, counted him the son he never had (1 Timothy 1:2), and watched him follow in his footsteps to become a preacher and missionary. He said of his young pupil, “I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state” (Philippians…

As Christians, we may live beneath God’s blessings, so it never hurts to be reminded of our gifts. What have we received in Christ? GOD SAVED US—WE ARE NOT LOST. Jesus promised, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Peter affirms that baptism saves (1 Peter 3:21). Are you a baptized…

“Then Joshua charged them at that time, saying, ‘Cursed be the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates.’” —Joshua 6:26 “In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation…

Times change. Today’s “new” is tomorrow’s “old,” this morning’s “breakthrough” is this afternoon’s “castaway,” and this year’s “popular” is lost in next year’s “latest.” Clearly, the “up-to-date” is soon “out-of-date.” Truth, however, doesn’t change. It reads the same today as yesterday and as it will tomorrow. It was “once for all delivered to the saints”…

Most likely today, you will do things you will never do in heaven. 1. IF YOU TURN ON A LIGHT, YOU DID SOMETHING YOU WILL NEVER DO IN HEAVEN. Half of the time in this world is spent in darkness. Most businesses and many residences pay each month to have dusk to dawn lights to…

One night Carolyn and I were watching the HGTV show “House Hunters.” An anesthesiologist and his young wife were shopping for what they called “our forever home.” Their budget was $800,000 to $1 million. The couple wanted a grand staircase for future weddings. (They had two little girls.) They settled on a brick house with…

The Russian noun “toska” ought to be adopted into the English language. We don’t have a word that adequately translates it. The famous Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov explains its meaning: “At its deepest and most painful, it is a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause. At less morbid levels it is…