On My Mind

I Believe Jesus is Lord I believe that Jesus was with God in the beginning; that he gave up his place in heaven and came to earth in human form, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; that he lived a sinless life; that he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, forsaken […]

God wants to be your friend. That seems strange in a way because people of different social, educational, or economic levels seldom become close friends. Presidents don’t generally pal with peasants. Research scholars don’t normally fraternize with grade-school dropouts. Seven-figure executives don’t ordinarily socialize with the homeless. There are refreshing exceptions, but we usually form […]

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? […]

Following Matthew’s chronology, the dinner given in Jesus’ honor in Bethany was the last supper before the Last Supper. There were seventeen people present: Simon the Leper, Mary, Martha, Lazarus, the twelve apostles, and Jesus. While they were eating, Mary broke the seal of an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus. “Why this […]

Answering the following questions will jumpstart the next chapter of your life. Is This In My Control? You can save yourself a lot of agitation by sorting out what is in your control and what isn’t. Your actions, words, and thoughts are in your control. Other people, the weather, and some life events are not. […]

John Glenn. Everyone knows the name of this American hero who flew fifty-nine combat missions in World War II and twenty-seven in Korea; first American to orbit the earth, and the oldest man in space when, at seventy-seven, he flew with the Space Shuttle Discovery crew; four-term U.S. Senator from Ohio. His history of accomplishment […]

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend. And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. —Louisa M.R. Stead I love that old hymn. Trust isn’t easily achieved, and it doesn’t survive unchallenged. It’s tested when life dumps you in a dark patch where […]

Sooner or later nearly every church is contaminated by contention. Like cancer, it infiltrates furtively at first and goes undetected. But eventually, it metastasizes and permeates the body, resulting in severely depleted strength. Or death. Toxic Intruders Paul used a lot of ink exhorting Christians to encourage one another, build each other up, love one […]

To Abram, God said, “Do not be afraid . . . I am your shield” (Gn 15:1). To Joshua, God said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Jo 1:9). To Isaiah, God said comfort my people, telling […]

A century or so down the road, if the Lord’s coming is delayed until then, people will look back at our time on this planet with as much fascination as we look back on the time of George Washington, Thomas Edison, or the Wright Brothers. They’ll wonder what life was like for those of us […]