Think About It

It is one of the most often cited passages of the Bible, but I never get tired of hearing it:  “And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” (Luke 2:8-14).  Folks, I honestly do not know that today is Jesus’ birthday, and quite frankly, I don’t care.  I am just so thankful that so many people will stop their routines and at least t...

This is the most wonderful time of the year – or at least that’s what the song reminds us.  It is magical and brings cheer to a lot of people.  Many of us are blessed to be able to join family for events and reunite with friends to share something special.  If you were to ask a lot of people about the time of year they look forward to, this time of year would be cited as one of the favorites of many of us. Now, while this is generally true, this is not universal.  Some people will not be able to be with friends and family this holiday season – especially those public servants who are working to keep us safe and secure.  There are others, who are lonely – those who for some reason can’t or don’t want to be with family.  For them, it can be a most distressing time of year.  The reason I bring this up is not to diminish the joy we feel, but as a reminder to remember those who are distanced this time of year.  Whether it is because of physical or emot...

As long as there have been battles fought on and around the seas, there has been a need to transport the injured to medical care away from the hostilities.   Yet, on this date in 1919, something new hit the seas.   On December 23, 1919 the USS Relief (AH-1) was launched.   Its distinction is that it is the first ship of the U. S. Navy specifically constructed to be a hospital ship.   This modern vessel was a genuine floating hospital with a capacity of 550 patients.   From this point on, ships weren’t just used to transport – they could also heal on the way. As I thought about this endeavor, the words “meet them where they are” came to mind.   Sometimes the wounded can’t wait to get to where they can be treated, this provided them aid along the way.   Interestingly, is that what Jesus did for us?   Humans needed something more than an aloof King in heaven, they needed someone who met them on our physical plain – so He came to earth from heaven s...

Why should we evangelize?   Why should we help admonish those who doing things that are contrary to God’s will?   It may seem odd, but I believe there are several reasons people teach:   some do it because they believe their religious perspective is superior to those around them … some do it to help people fall in line with their moral code … still others do it to advance some political agenda.   While these might be reasons, I am not sure they are the best reasons to try to teach Christian principles.   Not long ago, I noticed something from the writings of the Apostle Paul who observed, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28).   In other words, a valid reason to teach the message of the Lord is to help people become the best they can be.   It may be tempting to shape people into who we want them to be, but a legit...

When I think of eagles – especially bald eagles – I imagine incredibly beautiful animals and prime predators.   With their massive size, piercing talons and a powerful beak, they sit near the top of their food chain.   Yet, there is something interesting about them – they are susceptible to lead poisoning.   Their digestive system are prone to absorbing lead which can create significant problems for them.   Since they often prey on critters that have been wounded by hunters using lead ammunition, this can have a devastating effect on them.   Who would have thought that something so regal would have their own version of kryptonite?   While environmentalists have made strides in reducing things like lead shot in waterfowl hunting, this continues to be a concern for eagles. The reason I being up this fact of nature is to remind us that even though we may have a lot going for us, we need to be careful in exposing ourselves to concerns that can endanger us – e...

When I reflect on my life, on a lot of days, I still feel like I am 17.  Sure I hurt in places I didn’t know that I had back in 1976, but I still feel good (most of the time).  It’s not until I take a glimpse at my driver’s license or a good long look in the mirror that I realize I am not a spring chicken anymore.  (If that doesn’t do it more me, the handful of cardiac medication I take each day should be an accurate reminder.)  Now, while I am coming to grips with my age, I am also looking forward to what is coming ahead.  I am much closer to my last day on the job than I am to my first, but that doesn’t mean I am ready to give up.  The other day I was looking at a New Testament verse and found something that challenged me.  When Paul wrote about the phrases of Christian life he observed, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.” (Titus 2:2).  It is tempting for us – as we get o...

         You might not recognize Theodor Geisel, but I would imagine you probably know him by his middle name, “Seuss”.  Dr. Seuss was born in Massachusetts, but his work impacted more than our county, he became known around the world.  He sold some 600 million books that have been translated in to multiple languages.  I would imagine everyone has a favorite book by Dr. Seuss, but this time of year, the overwhelming favorite seems to be the “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”.  Now, while that is a seasonal favorite, I came across and interesting quote the other day from his work, “The Lorax”.  In the book, Once-ler observes, “It’s not about what is, it is about what can become.”.  I think this is a very appropriate comment for a children’s book, but it can have an impact on adults as well.  This concept is summed up in the word, “potential”.  I think we tend to view potential as a negative (as in, “They never lived up to the...