Jesus once said the second greatest commandment was “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). What fascinates me is where Jesus looks for evidence of one who loves his neighbor. Specifically our neighbor is the one who is struggling. In the parable of the sheep and the goats Jesus commends and gathers to himself those who feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, invited in the stranger,...

Years ago I heard author John Maxwell say, “everything rises or falls on leadership.” That sentiment resonated with me. It does not matter whether it is a business, university, church or country; if the leader is healthy, wise and growing, the entity does better. If the leader is toxic or stagnant, the entity will struggle or fail. Healthy leaders have many traits such as wisdom and perseverance. ...

HEALTHY LIVINGAt the beginning of the year many spend some time thinking about their health. In my experience, churches rarely talk about our physical bodies. In contrast, the Bible does talk about the body. Starting in the creation account the human body along with the rest of creation receives God’s stamp of approval “it is good” (Genesis 1:31). In the psalms King David writes, “For you created ...

In John15:1,2 Jesus gives us a powerful picture about life with Him. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” This is one of the famous “I am” statements in the gospel of John where Jesus is basically making a deity claim. The “I am” part...

A NEW YEAR IS COMING!Christmas is over, a new year is almost here. Many take some time as the yearends to evaluate where they are and where they want to be a year from now. Some callthis process making new year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most of us struggle with thefollow through. We start the new Bible reading plan, we join a gym. We try a newhobby but by the end of January many of these good ...