Treasure Chest

I recall the day our neighbors became parents for the second time; they joyfully announced the news of their newborn son’s arrival. To make it even more memorable, the baby came on his dad’s birthday. What a joy to celebrate new life! The theme of new birth takes us back to a famous conversation of…

When we remember the variety of teachers we have had over the years, some stand out as especially helpful, and others rate somewhat lower. Good teachers inspire willing students to learn the required lessons and grow toward their potential. I recall my fourth grade teacher kept a tight reign on the class but helped me…

When a man I had begun to counsel was accused of a crime, he turned himself in to the local police station. “Bill” anticipated signing a document and being released, but instead was arrested and held in the Detention Centre. Having no surety for bail, he remained in custody for two months until his trial.…

Our home base in east Tennessee has the vista of the Great Smoky Mountains. I never tire of seeing their seasonal colors and grandeur. Similarly, the Jewish pilgrims viewed the mountains in Israel, especially Mt. Zion where Jerusalem sits. The psalmist testified, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills–From whence comes my help?…

As the calendar flips over to another year, remember this reality check: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It…

A tribute to basketball star David Robinson highlighted his humble reliance upon Christ. “Robinson has been named one of the fifty greatest players of all time. He’s won both an NBA scoring title and Most Valuable Player award … In the final game of the series (in which the Spurs won four out of five…

As I waited for a friend in the bicycle repair shop, I noticed a couple of facetious signs. One said “Company Rules: #1. The president is always right. #2. If the president is ever wrong, refer to rule #1.” And another quipped, “Those of you who think you know it all are particularly annoying to…

In this series we have been discussing the topic of the believer’s identity in Christ. Much of this theme focuses on the multifaceted wonder of the disciple’s individual identification with Christ. Here, let’s consider the implications of the believer’s corporate identity–the identification with the countless others who are united with Christ through saving faith. .…

You might be surprised to learn that for years a member of our household actually slept in a cage at night. He was very friendly, but never said a word. Before you report me to the authorities, I should clarify that this little fellow was our rabbit–Buggs Bunny. I remember taking Buggs to the vet…

In Wisconsin, the International Crane Foundation leads the world in saving Cranes from extinction. In addition to the zoo-like displays of the various species, there is a special compound called Crane City. Here the birds are protected from all contact from undisguised humans. Orphaned birds in this compound are fed by people in crane outfits!…