“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV) The class topic that Sunday was wisdom—what it is and how to obtain it. The discussion was lively and on target. Together we developed a good working definition of what the Bible meant when it talked about wisdom. Then we began to discuss how this relates to our everyday lives. What traits does a wise person possess? I threw out a random question to the group. Acts 6 describes a problem that had arisen…

“When everything was ready, the LORD said to Noah, ‘Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I can see that you alone are righteous’ . . . Then the LORD closed the door behind them.” (Genesis 7:1, 16, NLT) Wouldn’t you love to know Noah’s thoughts and feelings at the moment God shut the ark’s door! After years of construction, warning others of God’s judgment, and listening to their skeptical remarks, everything was ready. He had completed the task God asked him to do. I can imagine some nervous anticipation as he and…

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13, NKJV) One of the things I’ve missed during the past year’s restrictions on gatherings and travel has been having guests in my home. Whether our weekly small group from church or a friend visiting from out of town, seldom a week would pass without a friend, or several friends, being here. And then life changed. Yes, we’ve kept in touch, but a Zoom call or text message is not the same as having  friends visit in person. Today I have a longer…