“Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’.” (Mark 1:41) Leprosy is curable today, but in Jesus’ day it was the most feared of all diseases; so much so, lepers were not allowed to live in cities. “All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.” (Leviticus 13:45) When they did come into town, some communities required them […]

“That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7) God’s grace is always sufficient, but it’s not always easy to recognize. Let me give you a real-life example. Two years ago, my wife, Robbie, had basal cell carcinoma. It’s a harmless form of skin cancer, but you have to remove it, or it will just keep growing. Robbie had a small spot removed from her chin. Over the last few weeks, she […]

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) Several years ago, my wife had severe abdominal pains, so much so that I had to take her to the emergency room for treatment. One of the nurses charged with her care, a Christian, had a Chinese tattoo on his arm. “What does that mean,” my wife asked. “He who walks with no fear,” the nurse […]

“Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.” (Isaiah 55:4) We lost a great man last week. When he became president, he told our country that that he was a Ford and not a Lincoln. I am not sure I agree with him. How many times over the last couple of weeks did we hear the words to describe him that we often hear associated with Lincoln – honest, humble – a man who held our country together […]