I see it virtually every day, and each time I see it, I cringe. It goes this way: someone puts a post on Facebook, seeking prayers for some situation in life. Maybe a relative is facing surgery, or maybe it is because of a job loss. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with that. It is good to ask for others to carry our burdens, including in prayer. Then, once the request is posted, people begin to put comments. You might see the following: “Praying for you.” “I’m praying for your family.” “We will be praying.” “Sending prayers your way.” Wait, what? Did you read that last one? “Sending prayers your way.”…

When Jesus told the parable of the talents he expressed something most people overlook. While the main teaching of the parable likely pertains to stewardship, accountability, or our need to be prepared for the judgment, we have probably never thought about one subtle truth that I believe he also implied. There were three servants. The first was given 5 talents, the second was given 2 talents, and the third was given 1 talent. They were entrusted with these talents and their master expected them to do something with them. We have all been given something by God, some blessing, some responsibility for which we must give account. I think most…

I listened in disbelief. This latest news couldn’t possibly be true – could it?  I did a little research. Apparently, it is true. At least I think it is true. It has been reported as true. I’m still wondering, though, if it truly is true. Here’s the headline that I found on the website of The Washington Post: ‘Post-truth’ named 2016 word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries Post-truth? What in the world is that? Thankfully, the website provided this information:  The dictionary defines “post-truth” as “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” So – facts and objective truths…

It happened to me again. I reread a familiar passage and something new jumped out at me. To me, that’s proof that the Bible comes from a Divine Creator. Who else could craft a book where people who are reading for the first time can understand it yet is complicated enough to reveal treasures of wisdom throughout lifetimes? But that thought is for another day. Today I want to share what jumped out at me. I was reading from Luke 22. I had read about Peter’s denials and how the Lord turned and looked at Peter. In the next 3 verses, I read: Now the men who were holding Jesus…