Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. (Phil. 2:8-11) In 1987, Northwest Airlines flight 255 crashed just after take-off. One hundred fifty-six people died…

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isa. 53:3) When we face the pressures of finances, when illnesses ravage our families, when trusted friends and colleagues become our sharpest critics,…

Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:20) We may hardly dare to consider the consequence of sharing our faith – or not doing so. James, the brother of Jesus, minces no words. When we bring a sinner back from…

I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Cor. 11:3) Only by having a close relationship with the Savior and regular exposure to the mind of God in Scripture will a man know what…

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).  An old car commercial boasts, “You are what…

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. (Psalm 119:97-99) The power to obey the Lord requires that we know what honors…

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy. (Titus 3:4-5) Raising his family in the rural South, my father taught all his sons how to use a cross-cut saw. One brisk, fall morning, we began sawing through a…

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. (Eccl. 4:9-10) There are no shortcuts to spiritual victory, but thankfully there is no mystery either. Seeking prayerful associations and accountability with others is one key. As we support one another…

Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. (John 6:32-33) In the Old Testament, we see God providing…

Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph. 5:1-2) My ministry began with the privilege of leading an historic church. I soon discovered that I was not prepared for the problems and pain of…