By Guest Columnist Bettie Byrd A minister friend of mine placed a mid-morning call to his 87-year-old mother on a Saturday. The conversation went something like this: Son: “What are you doing, Mom?” Mom: “My quiet time.” Son: “Oh, I thought you did that early in the morning.” Mom: “I do, Son. I’m just […]
When our words catch up with us
By Shawn McMullen King David and his men approached the village of Bahurim on a road leading from Jerusalem to the Jordan valley. This particular journey wasn’t for business or pleasure. He was fleeing for his life from his rebellious son Absalom. It wasn’t a good day. And to make matters worse, they began to […]
Your rate of return
By Shawn McMullen Hezekiah was a good king who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2, English Standard Version). He wasn’t a perfect king, however. Second Chronicles 32:24-26 tells the story. In those days Hezekiah became sick and […]
Praying for the persecuted church
By Shawn McMullen Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering (Hebrews 13:3). Today has been designated International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Churches who take time today to pray for their suffering brothers and […]
More than one way to forgive
The Editor’s Desk By Shawn McMullen Saul was not a perfect ruler. It didn’t take him long to succumb to arrogance, jealousy, and anger. Still, he did a few things right in his early days as Israel’s first king. He displayed an admirable humility when the prophet Samuel anointed him (1 Samuel 9:21). And he […]
