“Instead, they were longing for a better country–a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16) My pastor used the above verse during a sermon last week. Don’t tell him, but I drifted off to my years as a teenager as soon as he started reading it. It reminded me of something my Granny once told me. I loved to hear her tell a story. One day I noticed a wedding band on her […]

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Several years ago, I visited another church in my community. While waiting for the service to begin, I watched the orchestra ready itself for worship. A reader and friend of mine recognized me, came over and asked me for my continued prayers for him and his family. I was mildly startled by his plea because when I looked into his eyes, I noticed a deep sense of hopelessness that I had […]

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been able to get over the fact that Leona Helmsley left $12 million to her dog. Two of her grandchildren received nothing, but her dog got $12 million. Go figure it. I could not believe how blind Ms. Helmsley was to her own extravagance. There are just too many needs where that kind of money can make a […]

“For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” (Psalm 103:16) Beloit College, a small Wisconsin liberal arts college, released its tenth annual Mindset List this week. The list provides context for how eighteen year-olds entering college this fall view their world. School spokesman Ron Nief told the Associated Press that the list “is the most popular back-to-school topic” in higher education. He said everyone from professors to military officials used the list to try to better relate to young […]