“You can be safe or you can be brave, but you can’t be both.” Little did I know at the time that this pithy phrase would become synonymous with major change in my chaotic existence. Having returned to the mainland after six years of serving at American embassies overseas, I found myself in a “desert purgatory” far from the international limelight. El Paso, Texas in the mid-80’s was definitely an exile destination, albeit my request to Headquarters to be transferred to a “warm dry place” due to my son’s chronic asthma condition. But the location could not extinguish the fire […]

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11–13).   It is one thing to get ready for someone who is coming to visit and quite another to eagerly anticipate their arrival. As a boy, I remember when my great-aunt would come to our home for a visit. We spent a day getting ready for her arrival. We made […]

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses…

“If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say” (Philemon vv. 17-21 NKJV).   The year was 49 BC. The order […]