In 1647 the Westminster Assembly published its Shorter Catechism, a collection of 107 questions and answers to be used in instructing children in the basics of the Christian faith.  The very first question reads:  “What is the chief end of man?”

That is a very important question.  How would you answer it?  The Catechism says:  “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

That answer agrees with what we read throughout scripture:  “Whether ye…

Centuries ago when the Olympic games were held in Athens, it is said that an old, feeble man once came late into the arena.  There were no longer any empty seats.  He passed the benches where the Athenians sat, and they laughed at him.

Then he passed by where the Spartans were sitting.  Immediately two men rose to their feet to offer the aged man their seat.  They had obviously been taught to show respect to their elders and were not hesitant to do so.

When the Athenians saw this gesture by the Spartans they began to cheer.

“Ah,” said the old man,…

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I was recently reading 1 Peter 4 while studying the different “one another” (allēlōn) phrases throughout the New Testament that appear to all point back to Jesus’s statement in John 13, “love one another: just as I have loved you.” It was during this study that I came away with a whole new perspective on 1 Peter 4:9 and what it means to “Show hospitality to one another.” While the idea behind it is artfully weaved all throughout scripture, it’s really the only passage that talks about showing hospitality to “one another”…

Compare these two statements of Jesus, and think about what they have in common.

If you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23-24)

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15)

Both…

I was searching for the perfect fit. Snug, but not tight. Stable, but not rigid. Bouncy but not squishy. Finally, after trying multiple pairs, I found the running shoes I was searching for. I would run in them, but not only run. I also intended to use them for my daily walks, for my upcoming vacation and even to the office. These would be all-purpose shoes, so above all else, I needed them to be comfortable.

Comfortable. The very word itself warms our heart…

In this world of computer technology and artificial intelligence, you have most likely heard of the word “algorithm.”  An algorithm is defined as a set of rules or step-by-step procedure used to solve a problem or perform a computation, especially by a computer.  It is a process that involves a sequence of actions or operations that lead to a desired outcome.  Computer programmers have designed algorithms for social media platforms as well as a whole host of other applications in order to persuade individuals to devote large amounts of their time on those platforms or apps.  When data can show…

We are a people looking for peace.  One may look at a painting and be transported into a world where nothing can trouble them.  Perhaps your peace comes from standing on the banks of a gently flowing river, or sitting in the sand as the ocean tide rolls in and out, or a walk in the woods, or perhaps just listening to soft music.  Wherever our search might lead us, we are all seeking peace.

We tend to look for peace in the wrong place though.  Travel agencies profit from the search as…

When king Solomon died, his son Rehoboam was set to take the throne of Israel. The people, even under wise Solomon’s rule, had endured the burdens of living in a monarchy (just as God had warned— see 1 Samuel 8:11ff). But now, sensing an opportunity for change, they asked Rehoboam to lighten those burdens (1 Kings 12).

Before answering the people, Rehoboam consulted the older men who had served his father. Their good counsel was this: “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant…

At some point in each of our lives we will face a point of uncertainty, a point of confusion and a point in which we’re not sure that things will get better. It is at this point in time I have been reminded of Isaiah 40 verses 30 through 31 which says, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be…

Steps are interesting things. Often, the process of how things work in our lives are divided into steps, steps we have to follow in order to succeed. All of us have stories of past experiences that demonstrate to us that missing a step, even a small one, can ruin a project. Maybe we didn't follow the step of stirring our paint thoroughly before applying it to our walls, and therefore the color didn't spread evenly. Perhaps missing a step while building our Ikea bookcase eventually caused those shelves to collapse and books to fall to the floor. In building a…

Jesus' disciples were on the sea, being tossed about by a violent storm, and Jesus rebukes them for being afraid, saying "O you of little faith."  The disciples find themselves unable to cast out a demon, and Jesus attributes their ineffectiveness to their "little" faith.  The disciples fail to understand Jesus' teachings and again he says "O you of little faith."  Even though these disciples were often criticized for their little faith, it's hard to see men like Peter, James, and John in that light.  Didn't they leave everything behind to follow Jesus?  Didn't…