October 22, 2025

Recently I was telling a friend about writing my Lifelines newsletters. He asked me if I enjoy writing them. I thought for a moment, then replied, "I don't enjoy doing it, but I'm glad I'm doing it."

Much of what's worthwhile in life is like that, isn't it? How many people really enjoy working out at the gym or cleaning out an overflowing closet or writing their will? Yet, afterwards, they're glad they did it. The gain from the effort turns out to make the effort worth it. 

So it is in our spiritual lives as well. Maintaining a regular time of Scripture reading takes effort. Weekly church attendance, even when vacationing, requires discipline. And memorizing Scripture? I don't know about you, but I sure need work in that area. Additionally, how many of us enjoy confronting someone who seems to be neglecting his spiritual well-being—or being confronted about our own areas of neglect? But we're instructed to exhort one another to love and good deeds. Indeed, obedience to our Lord requires self-denial. Yet, someday, upon hearing those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant—enter into the joy of your Lord," we'll know it was worth the effort. 

So, do I enjoy writing Lifelines? No. It is hard reading about the effects of the fall on mankind. It's hard to research topics so grievous. Am I glad I'm doing it? You bet!

February 6, 2026

Cruel enemies of a kingdom once besieged a castle of that kingdom. As time went on, they pressed the battle first at one point, then another. With each new assault, the lord of the castle commanded his valiant soldiers to focus their defense upon the point under attack. 

One soldier, however, thought it best to defend a place where the enemy had previously attacked or might attack in the future. He vainly waited at his chosen location while the battle raged elsewhere. 

I ask you, was this soldier helping the cause of the lord of the castle, or was he perhaps demonstrating pride or cowardice?

If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved. To be steady on all battle fronts besides is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.

~ Widely attributed to Martin Luther but actually a summary of some of his thoughts by a later writer. (Michael Poore; "When the Bible is silent..."; "Sensemaking"; Jan. 28, 2026.)

Where is the battle today? One major front is the image of God in mankind. On this website I discuss many issues of our day that attack God's image-bearers head-on.

You may ask, “With so many issues at stake, can I, just one person, make a difference?” Be encouraged. As Edward Everett Hale stated:

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.

 Likewise, Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6b, ESV) This is the Lord’s battle, and he will ultimately gain the victory.

Will you join me in the battle in your corner of the world?