“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17). Meditating on what…
“Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool” (Proverbs 17:10). Older siblings know better than their younger siblings, so more is expected of them. Parents know better than their children, so more is expected of them. Elders know better than the flock entrusted to them, so more is…
Some of our little girls are quite attracted to the idea of being “princesses” — showing off their shiny tiaras, scepters, and colorful robes while pretending to rule over others. Parents often encourage this type of thinking in their adorable daughters as they see them play the role convincingly, relishing the power and dignity of…
It happened on one of our tours of the Bible Lands some years ago. There is usually very limited rainfall in the Judean desert and down by the Dead Sea, but on this particular day there was an unusually torrential rain. Our tour bus was traveling southward along the west side of the Dead Sea. …
I t would be interesting to know how many generations have reached a certain point that they say, “We live in troubling times.” I imagine that it may have been said by every generation since Adam. It seems that as we mature into adulthood, we are able to have enough history to use our wisdom…
There is no one word adequate to fully explain the plan of salvation. The Scriptures mention so many different things on both God’s part and man’s part that together are involved in our salvation. Certainly, we cannot be saved without God’s grace and our faith (Ephesians 2:8). Nor could there be salvation without the sacrifice…
Solomon began his reign well. When God granted him any request, Solomon asked for wisdom and was given riches, peace, and length of days to boot. He realized his father’s vision by building God’s house in Jerusalem. He expanded Israel’s territory to its farthest extent and accumulated great wealth for God’s people. However, the many…
Parents thrill when someone comments that one of their children reminds them of the parent or is the “spitting image” of them. Sometimes it’s based on looks; other times it’s mannerisms. But seeing some resemblance is usually a thrilling occurrence. For centuries, theologians have tried to grasp the ramifications of passages from Genesis in which…
Here’s how to have a problem-free marriage from a man with 55+ years of experience: Put Christ 100% into your life. Let him take charge of your marriage (Ephesians 5:21-28). Refuse to accept the idea that the honeymoon is over after three or four days of marriage. It can last as long as you live…
Americans love convenience. From microwaves to pizza delivery, from cell phones to high-speed Internet, from drive-through funeral viewings to drive-in church, Americans have become increasingly fond of—and accustomed to—convenience. And convenience is certainly nice in its place. After all, who isn’t glad to be liberated from the time-consuming, back-breaking drudgery of doing things the “old-fashioned…