An excellent spirit attracts people. When found in a young lady, it attracts a young man. When found in a dad, it attracts his children’s loyalty. When found in a wife, it attracts her husband’s heart. When found in a soulwinner, it attracts an unsaved person’s attention and time. When found in a church, it attracts repeat visitors. Simply put: an excellent spirit is attractive.

The prophet Daniel had such a spirit, and it even attracted a heathen king: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm” (Daniel 6:3).

How could we define an excellent spirit? (more…)

I wanted to take a moment today to thank our many friends who are praying and trusting God with us regarding the physical needs in our son Larry’s life as well as our spiritual need for God’s sustaining grace and power.

About a week before Thanksgiving, Larry was summoned to the hospital for an emergency surgery. After the initial surgery and further consultations and studies conducted, it was determined that Larry should have a second surgery. This surgery (RPLND) was conducted at Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles, California, in late December. Although Larry had some post-surgery complications with the condition on his ileum, we are thankful that God brought him through the surgery and has blessed him with healing since the surgery. (more…)

Nearly twenty-four years ago our family moved to Lancaster, California, to begin ministry at Lancaster Baptist Church. At that time, we had two children, Danielle and Larry, and God soon blessed us with two more children, Kristine and Matthew.

This past week, our youngest son, Matthew, was engaged to Katie Crockett of Redmond, Washington. (more…)

The music program in the local church is vital, and it’s impact—for good or bad—on a church service is immeasurable. While some may view music as simply a form of entertainment and emotional conditioning, godly music plays a much larger role in a church. (more…)

In several days the Olympics will begin in Vancouver, British Columbia. Athletes from around the world will compete in various winter sports, each seeking a gold medal.

Throughout Scripture, the Christian life is often compared to athletic events, giving us insights into how we can finish our race with joy. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).

Allow me to share a few thoughts with you that I have been pondering this morning about the race the Lord has given me to run:

1. I must continuously look to Jesus as my goal.

In the Christian race, my main objective must never be the approval of men, keeping godly standards, or following a particular creed. While the encouragement of fellow Christians is a blessing, and biblical standards and creeds are needed, these are simply meant to be landmarks guiding me along my way to pleasing Christ. (more…)