Treasure Chest

In each issue of Readers’ Digest magazine, there is a feature article identified as “Drama in Real Life.” The stories are exciting adventures of near-death mishaps and heroic rescues. What a relief to follow the narrative to the point where those in danger are delivered. It reminds me of an illustration used by one of…

One of the challenges of longer roads trips is navigation. These days maps are being replaced by our ever-increasing reliance on a GPS–either a special devise or a cell phone app. But even with that facinating techology, we sometimes end up on less than ideal routes. Spell that L O S T ! 🙂 The…

The writer of Hebrews declares, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us … But without faith it is impossible to please…

Some newspapers have a column that gives readers a chance to anonymously comment on local events and people. Sometimes the notes are positive commendations and other times they are negative criticisms. One such column was titled “Bouquets and Brickbats.” We would all appreciate getting a bouquet of compliments (or you might be glad for a…

In North America, the letters W.W.J.D.? have become recognized as a popular Christian slogan. These initials appear on things such as jewelry and clothing to prompt the question, “What would Jesus do?” This question stems from the classic novel by Charles Sheldon, In His Steps. Written a century ago, the book used this question to…

When I went off to Florida Bible College after high school, I roomed with two older fellows. They were both very old (25 and 31). 🙂  Also, both were veterans of the military. The younger one was a Marine, no less. When I forgot to make my bed, I got a note taped to my…

In our travels to other nations we usually get some currency to use while in their country. My most recent trip required an exchange of US funds to Euros. Depending on the country and its economy, there are various exchange rates that banks offer. This concept of “exchanging” echoes missionary Hudson Taylor’s reference to abundant…

In a Christian music video, “Watch the Lamb”, there are some dramatic scenes accompanying this song that portray the story of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21).[1]  He was walking into Jerusalem on Friday morning and found himself on the Via Dolorosa (the route to the place of crucifixion). As the Gospels record, Jesus–weakened from the…

Friends who went camping described their enjoyable get-away. When I asked if they slept in a tent or trailer, they told me that they used hammocks. They tied the fabric between trees, suspended above the ground—a comfortable way to relax and get a good night’s sleep. What a picture of rest. We need times of…

Churches worship teams and choirs usually meet weekly to practice the music for Sunday. Since heaven is filled with the glorious praise of God, how about doing some practice right now? Psalm 29:1 gives us the vocal warm up: “Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give…