“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Several years ago, my wife had severe abdominal pains, so much so that I had to take her to the emergency room for treatment. One of the nurses charged with her care, a Christian, had a Chinese tattoo on his arm. “What does that mean,” my wife asked. “He who walks with no fear,” the nurse […]

“Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” (Isaiah 55:4) We lost a great man last week. When he became president, he told our country that that he was a Ford and not a Lincoln. I am not sure I agree with him. How many times over the last couple of weeks did we hear the words to describe him that we often hear associated with Lincoln – honest, humble – a man who held our country together […]

“Do your utmost to come before winter.” (2 Timothy 4:21) Now that Christmas is over, our thoughts quickly turn to the year ahead. The truth is January can be one of the most depressing months of the year. Credit card bills come in from all that Christmas overspending, and winter, if not already here, is approaching, which means that we have very few days over the next couple of months that will permit us to pursue all those outdoor activities that we enjoy. Winter doesn’t have to be […]

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) I heard a radio program some time back arguing that Santa Claus had taken the Christ right out of Christmas. I’m not going there with this column because I don’t believe it. The truth is the real story of Santa Claus has gotten lost in the commercialization of Christmas, a testament of sorts to the genius of American retailers who wanted to be sure that moms and dads didn’t forget them at Christmas either. The irony behind […]