Useful

Useful

A few weeks ago, I wrote on the idea of being “useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (II Tim. 2:21). That concept of being useful is still rattling around in my mind. The term means to be serviceable, easy to put to good use, even profitable. It is...
Spiritual Preparedness

Spiritual Preparedness

The apostle Paul had several younger pastors that he was mentoring. In II Timothy 2:21, Paul told his protégé that if he wanted to be useful for the Master, he needed to be prepared for every good work. Paul was emphasizing the need for preparation. It got me to...
You are Not Alone in Your Fears

You are Not Alone in Your Fears

“The holidays…” now there is a term that evokes a certain amount of stress and strain. As we were all decking the halls with “FA, LA, LA,” anxiety and fear were running rampant in our homes and offices. And we are starting the new year with palpable tension. A case in...
Stooping at the Door

Stooping at the Door

On my last trip to Israel, our group was able to visit the West Bank area.  We were allowed to visit the cathedral outside Bethlehem that marks the supposed birthplace of Jesus. I am told that Church of the Nativity is the oldest complete Catholic church in the...
Listen with Your Eyes

Listen with Your Eyes

In general, most of us are poor listeners.  Here’s a good story to prove my point. It seems that Franklin Roosevelt didn’t really enjoy long receiving lines. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was being said. So, one day, he decided to...
Good Gifts

Good Gifts

When I was in the second or third grade, I got an unusual haul from Santa Claus. Before I indicate the actual gifts, I probably ought to tell a quick story. As a kid, I loved to work with my dad’s tools. I frequently would “borrow” them and then leave them scattered...