I’ve always had books. I learned early the value of being well-read. My pastor-father had a large library and upon his death, some of it added to mine. Henry Ward Beecher, a clergyman and writer from an earlier generation, wrote, “A little library, growing every year, is an honorable part of a man’s history. It…
As a workaholic, I never cared much for solitude. Oh, I knew about it and my need for it, but I just never made time for much of it. I could quote Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God” and even learned the NASV translation, “Cease striving and know that I am…
The first call came when I was out of the country. It was a request for prayer. I promised not only to pray but make a visit as soon as I returned home. The second call came in less than a week – from his sister – one year ago this past week. Unfortunately, my…
I saw it again last week. Someone posted on social media, “We are in need of prayers sent our way.” I’ve written about this before, but it keeps reoccurring, apparently from folks who understand their need for prayer, but don’t understand prayer. The Bible is clear that all prayer is to be offered to the…
Last night I watched with great joy as grandson, Price, was baptized. Just two days earlier he and I had spent a long, extra-inning night, watching a college baseball playoff game. Someone said grandchildren are God’s reward for not killing your teen-agers. Possibly so! Surely there are better quotes about grandkids. I Goggled for quotes…
On my return flight from Washington DC the following happened before take-off: (1) A lady seated two rows in front of me claimed she had allergies and could only sit in 1st class and was assured that she would be moved. When told there were no seats in first class she refused to sit in…
As we were landing recently, the airplane’s Captain came on the intercom and said, “We know you have a choice in airlines, and we want to thank you for flying Delta Connection… excuse me, American Eagle.” My first serious thought following this gaffe was, while it is good to know your destination, it is likewise…
Last week I wrote of saying “Yes” to every invitation and thus occasionally overcrowding my calendar. This is such a time. In fact when you receive this, I will be leading a city-wide prayer conference in Rio Grande City, Texas. I love the Rio Grande Valley, and the cities up the river. We lived there…
I was in a group recently where people were discussing what kind of dog they would be if they were a dog. One was sure he would be as aggressive as a pit bull, while another who’s desire was always to seek people in need, decided he would have been a Saint Bernard. I’m sure…
I was recently in a ministry planning meeting in another country where the percentage of believers is low and resources even lower. One of the leaders exclaimed, “We do what we have to do, to get done what needs to get done.” That’s a philosophy of life with which I am very familiar. My grandfather…