“But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”–1 John 3:17

This is a verse I find myself wishing God had never inspired to be included in His Holy Word, because every time I read it, it pierces my heart with conviction. Although it closes with a question, it actually confronts us with four questions. The first, “What do you have?”

We may not feel that we are wealthy or affluent. We may have trouble extending our paycheck to cover expenses to the end of each month. The economic recession may have reduced our investments or resulted in having to adopt …

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32)

This proclamation of Jesus in foretelling His death on the cross has always jumped out and grabbed my heart, almost leaving me breathless. I have always been inclined to read the Bible literally, and having been involved in global missions probably have a broader perspective than others on what “all men” implies. When you think of a global population of seven billion people and realize that includes masses of people from Asia, Africa and Latin America, many who still live among unreached people groups, did Jesus really mean all men would be drawn to Him?

John’s gospel goes on to explain in …

Anyone who knows me is aware that I thrive on organization and planning. I’m the compulsive calendar keeper and list maker. I love strategic planning, how to get from point A to point B, driven by goals and objectives. A new day, a new week, a new year has always been a stimulating opportunity for new accomplishments.

Somewhere along the way in seeking to implement an annual agenda it occurred to me that God doesn’t necessarily work within human timeframes. The difference between December 31 and January 1 is really no different than June 30 and July 1 in His stewardship of history. His plans and purposes flow from a larger context. Sometimes His will is for the day at …

There was no mistaking the identity of the baby born in Bethlehem that first Christmas. The angel declared to the shepherds,“ Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). He was Christ, the long-awaited Messiah promised to Israel centuries ago and predicted by the prophets.

He was a Savior, confirmed by the name “Jesus” as revealed to Joseph–”And you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). The Jews thought more in terms of a political savior saving them from Roman oppression, but the subsequent events of the cross brought clarity to His role as …

I have never known anyone to say, “My goal in life is to be a failure.” I have known those who seem to be directionless and are floundering in identifying a compelling purpose for their lives. Others may lack ambition and are satisfied just to get by; as long as life’s basic needs are provided there is no need to put out an extra effort.

While most people may not have lofty goals of high position and status in the eyes of others, it is natural to want to be a success in whatever we do. Whether it is providing for our family, teaching or other vocations, or volunteer tasks in our church and community, we don’t want it to …

Growing up in church, I can remember being challenged to memorize Scripture; in fact, one Sunday School teacher would expect each class member to quote a new verse each week. Somewhere along in our adolescence we began to choose verses that were apparently meaningless and even nonsensical. One of my favorites in the KJV was 1 Chronicles 26:18–”At Parbar westward, four at the causeway and two at Parbar.”

Later I became curious as to what this verse actually meant. I discovered that the word “parbar” in Hebrew means “parbar.” That wasn’t very helpful. The conjecture of some commentaries suggest that it was the portico around the temple, and the causeway was the ramp leading up to the colonnade from the …

Contrary to the perception of many, Jesus never promised us a bed of roses. In fact, He alerted His disciples to the fact that: “In this world you shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). We readily succumb to the rational thinking of Jobʼs friends and advisors who attributed his suffering and misfortune to sin and punishment for evoking Godʼs displeasure. This was in the context of Hebrew thinking which saw wealth and prosperity as Godʼs blessing and poverty and suffering as Godʼs judgment.

Certainly, we can be assured of Godʼs blessings. He will never leave us nor forsake us. But those blessings are more profound in the context of suffering and trial, not in the absence of them. In fact, our …

I never got used to the funerals. Becoming president of the International Mission Board, I envisioned being singularly focused on mission strategy. It was a leadership role to equip and send missionaries to reach a lost world and challenge churches to provide the resources and prayer support needed. But being a large organization of more than 5,000 personnel, the funerals came frequently.

I once conducted three funerals for active missionaries within two weeks. Sometimes it was ministering to staff who lost family and loved ones. I would often write as many as a dozen condolence letters a week. Now that we have retired, we find funerals come regularly in our community. Sometimes it is elderly church members; this week it …

There are many impressive characteristics of the Apostle Paul that are worth emulating–his passion, his bold witness, his persuasive wisdom, his compelling vision, etc. But one trait that has always amazed me is his phlegmatic personality. He had such a sense of Godʼs providence that nothing could shake his confidence or deter his commitment to his purpose and calling.

If I live or die, it doesnʼt really matter; if I die I get to be with Christ, but if I go on living I can be profitable to others. Never mind if the door is closed to Galatia and Bithynia; Iʼll go to Troas and trust God to lead me. So what if I get arrested or beaten, at least …