Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It… Continue reading A Shift in Perspective

“But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, [that as a practical matter] it is good if they remain [single and entirely devoted to the Lord] as I am. But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Corinthians 7:8-9… Continue reading Devoted to the Lord

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay… Continue reading A Question to Prayerfully Ponder

[And] Let your patience [perserverance; endurance] show itself perfectly in what you do [have its full effect; finish its work]. Then you will be perfect and complete [mature and whole; or completely mature] and will have everything you need [lack nothing]. (James 1:4 EXB) REFLECTION  During my Asian adventure, I landed in a place where the trees… Continue reading The Full Effect of Patience

“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.”(Galatians… Continue reading Sharing Burdens

“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12 ESV) REFLECTION  While living in South Africa, the late great John Whiffen invited me to a special Toastmasters event. When I arrived I was welcomed by a kindly man in… Continue reading The Bright Light of Love

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your… Continue reading Sacrificial Love

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11 NIV) REFLECTION  One of the reasons why I’m so passionate about encouraging my students to make a consistent effort (and teaching them the value of… Continue reading The Value of Discipline

“And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP) REFLECTION  While exploring the Chinese city of Xian, I… Continue reading Faith, Hope & Love

“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”(John 15:7-8 ESV). REFLECTION  While helping a talented student prepare for a national speech festival, I… Continue reading Abundantly Fruitful