ANOINT. Matthew 26:6-12.

Anoint. There’s a word we don’t use every day. It means “set apart.” When you anoint something, you dedicate it for special use. The high priest, the temple, and the things in the temple were anointed for special service. Christians anoint the sick by placing olive oil on their foreheads, following James 5:14. Others anointContinue reading “ANOINT. Matthew 26:6-12.”

GRATITUDE. Luke 17:15-16.

When I fell out of the garage rafters as a child and hit my head on the iron car bumper, I was happy not to be paralyzed. I was on the concrete floor doing sit-ups (to shake off the pain) with my hands clasped behind my head, and I was so thankful not to beContinue reading “GRATITUDE. Luke 17:15-16.”

BEGIN WELL. Mark 1:9-11.

We talk often about “finishing well,” and that is important. Too many great efforts go nowhere because someone took their eyes off the goal. But beginning well can also be critical. We should take the time to reflect, to celebrate beginnings. And more importantly, to do it for others. Do you know anyone about toContinue reading “BEGIN WELL. Mark 1:9-11.”

Parades. Nehemiah 12:31, 38-43.

When you think of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, what comes to mind? Alcohol. To honor the only holiday dedicated to a missionary, the world drinks green beer to excess. There are better ways to honor the saint. But people love a parade—and they love an excuse to imbibe.  There are as many reasons for paradesContinue reading “Parades. Nehemiah 12:31, 38-43.”