Have you ever seen this message: “Access Denied”? Sometimes it appears on a door, to limit (or deny) access to individuals who do not meet certain requirements. Very often it appears on computer or web applications when a person’s credentials (i.e., username and/or password) have not been entered correctly. Bold, red letters will appear: “Access Denied”! How wonderful is the thought that…

John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). If that is the “greatest joy,” what would be the “worst sorrow”? Would he say, “I have no greater sorrow than to hear that my children do not walk in truth”? I cannot think of anything worse than that! Much discussion has taken…

Paul’s desire for the church in Rome was his desire for the church everywhere. His desire for the church should be our desire for the church. It should be our desire for the younger people and the older people of the church. It should be our desire for our homes, for our children, for our grandchildren, for our entire family. The church…

Did you ever receive a gift that you didn’t want? Why didn’t you want it? Each person has their own tastes, likes, preferences, etc. If a sushi-lover excitedly gives his favorite sushi to a sushi-hater, it does not mean that the gift will be as excitedly received as it was given. For a gift to be appropriate, it must take into account…

During the ministry of Jesus on this earth, demons–who were under the sway of Satan, “the ruler of the demons” (Luke 11:15)–were permitted, by God, a certain (but limited) exercise over individuals. The purpose of allowing demon-possession seemed to be to prove Jesus’ power and authority over all things, including the spirit realm (cf. Matt. 12:28; Mark 1:27). Demon-possession ceased when the…

As of March 10, 2015, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which is the largest Presbyterian denomination, is only seven votes away from changing its definition of marriage to include same-sex unions. Amazing that some think man’s vote is the deciding factor in various matters. This got me to thinking. Some congregations of the church of Christ are only seven votes away from using…

Every so often a new list of names will appear. These lists vary — The List of the Wealthiest People in the World, The List of the Most Influential People in the World, The List of America’s Most-Wanted, etc., etc. Then, on a smaller scale and more personal level, there are other lists — Christmas Card List, Student Enrollment List, Church Membership…

With nearly every earthly blessing, there is the ability to measure it. If you get a raise or a bonus at work, the amount can be measured. If the local produce market “throws in” a few extra pounds of fruit, the weight can be measured. If a neighbor brings over a chocolate cake, even the calories  can be measured. Every earthly blessing…