“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” (Luke 16:19-21)                The human experience is a story of haves and have-nots.  Th...  Read More

"According to the Charities Aid Foundation, the United States is ranked first in regards to giving and Canada is ranked as the sixth.  They also noted that both countries peaked in 2014 and have been on a steady decline since."You know the old saying - "There's good news and there's bad news."  In this case, the good news is that America is the most generous country on the planet.  Not only does o...  Read More

“And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.’  But He answered and said to them, ‘I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.’”  (Luke 19:39-40)                On the first day of the last week of His life, Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on the back of a colt.  The Scripture says the people were totally enamored ...  Read More

“It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.”(Luke 15:32)                 Somewhere along the way, I bet you’ve heard the story of the prodigal son.  That’s what we typically call the story found in Luke 15:11-32.  As amazing as the prodigal’s repentance is, he’s really not the point of the story.  As unbelievable as ...  Read More

**Today I received the most recent edition of the SBC's OnMission magazine. It always includes a statistical section called The Pulse. Over the next few days, I want to share some of the findings and add some comments.**"According to a 2019 Barna poll, just over half of Christians between the ages 18-35 attend church at least once a month. Ten percent of Christians said they no longer attend, and ...  Read More

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)                Luke 15 is one of the most beloved chapters in all the Bible.  In it, we read stories about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.  Today’s verse is taken from a parable Jesus told after the Pharisees condemned him for a...  Read More

“And they were left, that He might test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the Lord, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.”(Judges 3:4)                All of us have been put to the test.  In my lifetime, I’ve been blessed to graduate high school, college, and seminary (twice).  If I had a $20 bill for every test I’ve taken I’d be a wealthy man...  Read More

“The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.” (Prov. 14:15)                Have you ever known someone that’s gullible?  Gullible is defined as “easily persuaded to believe something.”  There are some people that are willing to believe anything you tell them, sometimes no matter how ridiculous.  And to be honest, each of us is probably a little more gullible than we w...  Read More

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34)                I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you that Jesus was Jewish.  His followers were Jewish.  Their Scripture originated with the Jews.  Their customs and r...  Read More

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)I’ve got six kids, so I don’t have much time to “be still.”  Our kids are involved in sports, band, and a host of other activities.  My wife and I have a good time running around and supporting all their interests, but it doesn’t leave much room for “being still.”  And yet, the psal...  Read More

“For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  (Luke 12:34)                What comes to mind when you hear the word “treasure?”  Maybe you think about Treasure Island or Indiana Jones on one of his treasure-hunting adventures.  It’s not a word we use very much, but it used to be a general reference to money.  Churches and many other organizations still have “treasurers” who assist w...  Read More

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)                You can’t deny that Americans have been very blessed.  Per capita, Americans are some the richest people on the planet, and the competition isn’t even close.  The only country that outpaces America in per capita wealth is Switzerland.  That’s probably why we hear so much about Swiss bank accounts!  ...  Read More