In 1955, my grandfather penned the following account at the end of a book he wrote for a Bresee Church in Pasadena, California, once a flagship church for the Nazarene denomination. My grandfather was a very successful businessman, retiring at a young age to spend time with my brother and me after our family breakup.…
This is a true story where God’s forgiving love won out in the end. It is revised and abbreviated to fit the purpose of this article. Years ago, a young girl grew up on a cherry orchard farm near Traverse City, Michigan, not far from the Canadian border. Her parents were a bit old-fashioned and…
For several years, my wife and I were school teachers; Myrna worked in public and Christian schools. We both experienced some great but challenging times too in those schools. But the challenges teachers face today are monumental, especially those in public schools. Concerning this, I share a story I recently read and revised from one…
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:2 The other day, a young mother was struggling with her toddler, who was throwing a tantrum in a busy airport. He was screaming, kicking, and refusing to board the plane. This young mother, who was also very…
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, for a part of love is being kind. Ephesians 4:32; I Corinthians 13:4 The following story is about Ronald Reagan, who was not only a remarkably effective President during his tenure as the leader of our country but a genuinely kind person as well. It is a story every…
Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Isaiah 35:3 Some years ago, I was listening to a sermon on encouragement when the pastor broke into a joke, saying, “What has helped me the most when discouraged is a file I put together, with all of the upbeat comments I had received from others over the…
A One World Religion Headquarters is set to open in 2022. The headquarters will be called The Abrahamic Family House and is being built on an island in the middle eastern city of Abu Dhabi. After signing a global peace covenant called the Document of Human Fraternity for World Peace, both Pope Francis of the…
Come to Me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: 28 The oak tree has long been praised for its legendary strength, longevity, and exceptional wood properties. Oak trees adapt well in the natural forests, suburban yards, and even in our nation’s inner cities. At my wife’s childhood home, there…
But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 Sometimes the answers to the prayers we seek have unexpected outcomes. Yet, God knows what He is…
Why are you in despair? And why have you become disturbed? Put your hope in God, for He does not disappoint, for His love has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom He gave to us. Psalm 42:11, Romans 5:5 Concerning 2021, restoring hope may be one of the biggest keys…