We are told that in order to have a successful and orderly existence it would be best to “touch all bases.” And now, as I am rounding third, my mind keeps insisting on taking periodic trips down memory lane, permitting one final glance at the disasters and triumphs of an interesting life. One undisputed fact is that I have garnered a substantial number of “followers” despite a rather sketchy background and a disturbing lack of tact. Conversely, through it all, I can count on one hand those individuals that have left an indelible mark in my life and without whom […]

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).   How are you coming on those New Year’s resolutions? What did you promise yourself you were going to stop doing this year? Eating too much? Spending too much idle time? Running up too much debt? How about the things you resolved to start doing . . . or do more of? Exercising regularly? Maintaining a consistent devotional time? Getting out of debt?  We all do it every year; we promise ourselves we are going to make changes. And that’s […]

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). We live in a world where an increasing number of people do not believe in an eternal hell, a place of everlasting punishment. A frequently asked question is “How could a loving God allow anyone to go to hell?” My problem has always been just the opposite. By that I mean, I have no problem believing in hell. But how could there be such a wonderful place like heaven? How could the love and grace of God be so […]

As the year ends and we begin celebrating the holiday season, there is a cultural phrase that sticks out to me the most this time of year: “the season of giving.” This usually is in reference to the fact that this time of year is when we tend to give gifts to our friends, families, neighbors, co-workers or loved ones to show the appreciation and gratitude we have for them. As much as I love this time of year – music, food, weather (even though South Florida fall weather is just a less scorching summer with random cold fronts, it’s […]

If you grew up attending church, you’ve probably heard and read about the wise men and their gifts countless times. However, as I was ruminating recently on the story of the magi going to meet Jesus, something stood out to me in a new way.   “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10-11 NIV).   These three wise men had seen a […]

Because Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I thought this would be a good time to sharpen our focus on living a life marked by thanksgiving to God, a life grounded in these words from the apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica and all believers everywhere: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). On the surface, this seems far easier said (or written) than done. So, let’s go below the surface to see exactly what Paul is actually saying. There are two very important things to notice in […]