"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph. 4:32 ESV) I live in a poor part of the country. Most people around here can’t afford a new car and struggle to keep their old cars running. The worn, mountain roads too...
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God..." (Eph 2:19 ESV) When I was a boy our extended, immigrant family would sometimes gather together at my Great Aunt's tiny house over the...
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your...
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28 NIV) I had the strangest dream last night. I was walking down a dirt road with snowy woods on either side of me. I was all alone....
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 ESV) An...
"Look here, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.' How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while,...
"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (1 Tim. 4:6 NLT) Almost every morning for the last 25 years I have exercised my body. It is nothing too strenuous. It is just a light...
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11 ESV) When I was a young man I had a lot of ego and very little empathy. I thought I knew everything. I looked forward to fame and success. I can even remember...
"Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation." (Ps. 95:1 NLT) It was the day after Thanksgiving. I wanted to take it easy and nap off the extra turkey I had eaten the day before, but my son wanted to put up the Christmas tree. To...
"'I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to...