Author Archives: editor

It’s not when hope’s flag is high in the sky, but when many bow their heads and groan “Why?” The darkest hour is the time for unwavering trust. The apostle Paul trusted at such a time. In shipwreck he said, … Continue reading →

Non-success is the trial we face when disappointment crowns our efforts. It’s the pain we experience when our energy and  time are not appreciated or rewarded. The prophet Isaiah captures the feeling of non-success when he lamented: “I have labored … Continue reading →

Have you ever seriously prayed for patience? For most of us, even such petitions are impatient ultimatums! We’re frustrated with God’s “delay” in granting us overnight success, instant wealth, rapid improvement of health, on-the-spot caring relationships, and quick solutions to … Continue reading →

In the garden of friendship, our Eden can become a Gethsemane. Our trusted companions can fall asleep, leaving us alone to drink the bitter cup. And our friends of many years may wound us with their kisses of betrayal. Yes, … Continue reading →

“Excellence is distinction. Mediocrity is extinction. Mediocrity is content with its condition and accomplishments. It settles for good when better is available. But excellence betters its best. It rises ‘higher than the highest.’ Excellence is a journey, never a destination. … Continue reading →

“Instead of raising millionaires and billionaires, we’ve succeeded in producing nillionaires (people with a lot of nothing—people with next to nil.) The richest continent in the world is inhabited by the poorest people on the globe. Mediocrity is the new … Continue reading →

Have you been seriously hurt? Is anyone deliberately hurting you right now? Is a friend or loved one maliciously treating you worse than your enemy? Jesus offers four ways to deal with such painful situations: “LOVE [be patient and kind … Continue reading →

When one accomplishes something extraordinary we say, “Congratulations!” Yet our greatest achievement is not when we pass an exam, earn a degree, acquire a job or property, receive a promotion, get married, etc. Nor is it when we display superb … Continue reading →

A codfish lays ten thousand eggs and says not a word. But the hen lays just one egg and cackles all day to advertise her incredible accomplishment! We’re like the hen in our self-admiration and self-absorption. One evidence is how … Continue reading →