It has been about six weeks since we, in the United States, and the whole world had the shock of our lives: the election of Donald Trump, with all his baggage', as the President of these United States for a second time. And many of us, including yours truly, are still reeling. We all are experiencing a severe case of “Anxiety.”The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines Anxiety as: “painful ...

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” [Psalm 55:22 NIV] I took the liberty of purchasing two orchid plants last month even though I have a terrible record of accomplishments with indoor plants. Their stunning blooms and larger-than-life personality was hard to resist. I read the instructions carefully and the key to maintaining the...

The other day, I was standing outside my home checking out the Christmas decor we had started to set up when a child and his father walked by. The child, about three years old, was running and fell on the ground. Immediately, the father rushed to him, picked him up, and held him close. The child’s tears quickly subsided as he nestled into his father’s arms, feeling safe and loved. Watching this te...

The songwriter and gospel singer Andre Crouch, in “My Tribute,” asks the question:How can I say thanks?For the things You have done for me?Things so undeservedYet You gave to prove Your love for me.The voices of a million angelsCould not express my gratitude.All that I am and ever hope to be.I owe it all to Thee.The evening devotion at the foot of our grandmother's bed left our eyes opened wide an...

On November 3rd, my wife, with the help of many co-conspirators, including my Pastor, my children, and many friends, gave me the surprise birthday party of all surprise birthday parties.As I opened the door to our church’s fellowship hall, my eyes could hardly believe what I was seeing. I have been taken for good. With the shouts of “Surprise,” the sound of Happy Birthday playing, mingled with the...

"The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me your rod; and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoi...

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss may seem like a fun children’s story, but it teaches us something important. In the story, there is a fish who is always worried. He’s the voice in our heads that says, “n...

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10I knew it wasn’t an accident when this scripture showed up as the scripture of the day in my Bible app. It resonated deeply with me. God was taking over my iPhone to issue some gentle corrections. Like so many of us, I often ...

Last week, I was thinking about going back to the YMCA, months after I stopped because of the problem I experienced earlier in the year, which necessitated the implantation of a pacemaker to regulate my heart rate. As I did, my mind wandered to the time when I was very athletic. I used to lift weights for strength and bodybuilding, and compete in track and field: racing, high and long jumps. It wa...

“…Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value, but godliness [spiritual training] is of value in everything and in everyway, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” 1Timothy 4:7-8 [AMP]An individual once told me that she does not get anything out of the church services when she attends ch...