We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t just stand there; do something!” Surely many of the Israelites who embarked on the great exodus out of Egypt felt that way when they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s chariots. They would have looked anxiously at Moses, who had led them into what appeared to be an utterly hopeless situation, expecting him to be racing back and forth, barking orders, and setting up defensive fortifications. “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” they snarled. Moses did nothing; he stood […]

In the early 1980’s as I was beginning what would become a lifelong study of the martial arts, I went to see what has become one of my favorite movies of all time, “The Karate Kid.” Much like Daniel in the movie, I too had a Mr. Miyagi, who was teaching me the mysteries of karate through many different aspects of training that I did not understand at the time but grew to greatly appreciate.    Mr. Miyagi’s methods Most readers will remember the plot of the movie; Mr. Miyagi agrees to train Daniel in karate, but he begins by […]

As we launch out into a new year together, let’s begin with a vision that transcends the details of daily living. Let us pause together for a moment in the presence of our Lord and consider all that He has planned for us in 2022. The title for this month’s message recalls the iconic words from Buzz Lightyear in the beloved movie “Toy Story.” If you are anything like me, when you hear the first part of the statement — “Toooo Infinity . . .” — you immediately follow up with, “and Beyond!” Infinity is Everything At this point you […]