MARY SAID “YES!” 

The end of the Christmas season and a looming new year is traditionally a time for assessment and contemplation—How did we do? How can we shape what lies ahead?   As 2025 closes let’s pause to consider an event a long time ago that made possible the hope of...

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? 

The word merry as in “Merry Christmas” means pleasing or agreeable. It conveys notions of joy and delight. “Happy holidays” just doesn’t do it.   I thought about that when I recently added a smile to a cheerful “Merry Christmas” greeting as I made a...

FULL IMMERSION v. SPRINKLING 

No, this article is not about baptism—but the reference does provide a useful illustration for the difference between a lukewarm commitment that produces nothing of lasting value, and the achievements possible in a wholehearted commitment to any purpose. This is...

Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone

The Bible frequently uses an architectural metaphor of a cornerstone as a symbol of Jesus Christ.   Psalm 118:22 declares, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner”, prophetically pointing to Christ’s central role in God’s plan...

Are You Getting an “A” in Deportment? (Part 2)

In the first part of this message, we introduced the topic of our personal deportment – our behavior and manners as God’s children that influences the view of others about God.   Here we’re going to look briefly at Colossians Chapter 3 (I recommend you read...

Are You Getting an “A” in Deportment? 

Back in the “good old days” in Elementary School (a long time ago), students were graded not only on their academic performance but also on something called “Deportment” (behavior and manners)! I learned back then that how I conducted myself was an act of will,...