Posts from April 2020

mountains in Landmannalaugar in Iceland

Our Strength

There are a number of interesting scenes presented in the book of Nehemiah. One, often overlooked, is found in chapter 8.  People were gathered in an open square to hear God’s word read to them. Ezra was the reader and it was an extensive reading, to say the least. All morning long he read. And, people listened attentively (Nehemiah 8:3). With reverence, people stood. Careful explanation was given to be certain the hearers understood the meaning of what was read (Nehemiah 8:8). …
Businessman thinking at office

Titanic-Sized Bad Decisions

I mentioned in my Wednesday devotional that the Titanic sank 108 years ago this past week (April 15, 1912). For a ship that was heralded as “unsinkable” and the greatest ship ever made, it proves the old adage, “pride goes before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction” (Prov. 16:18).  Some decisions using human wisdom are not able to be weighed accurately in terms of long-term consequences because man just doesn’t have the earthly wisdom to be able to…
Bible and praying hands

Proverbs for When You’re Sheltered-in-Place

Solomon has given us all much to chew on for over two millennia. Even now when we are in isolation, quarantine, shelter-in-place, or whatever you want to call it, his by-inspiration inspirational quotes still are speaking truth in the book of Proverbs.  Here are some lessons to think deeply about for those who are feeling the effects of 4+ weeks at home:  “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression”…

Philippines Mission Letter: March 2020

Dear Brethren,  It is my prayer that you and your family and the church family there are in good health and that you are all safe in the hands of the Lord.  We were able to study with our new brethren for their spiritual growth during the first two weeks of March and also visited those who were sick and in need of edification because of some struggles and hardships in life. We were also able to gather for church…
Medieval monk sitting at table and write, top view

  God and You 

Your attitude and behavior in any and all circumstances ought to be governed by your relationship to God.  Paul had been in a ferocious storm on the sea for nearly two weeks (Acts 27:27).  His relationship to God, however, enabled him not only to endure the stress, but to comfort and encourage the others on board: “And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For…