The Lord said to Moses, “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. —Numbers 8:23–26 The word “retirement” has cropped up in multiple conversations over the last few months. Every tim

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. —Isaiah 25:6 Who remembers the game show, The Price is Right ? I used to love the opening when Bob Barker entered the studio. As he walked through the audience, he would point at someone dressed in an outrageous costume and make an offer like, “If you have a hard-boiled egg in your purse, I’ll give you one-hundred dollars.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith —Romans 1:11–12 I enjoy being alone. Alone in the quiet. Alone with a book or a puzzle. Alone watching a movie with a bowl of buttered popcorn. But I recognize that there are some things I cannot do by myself, such as play backgammon or pickleball. And when the dishwasher acts up or a tree falls in the yard, it’s nice

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. —1 Corinthians 13:4–5 Who in their right mind would profess their love for someone before asking them out on a date? Dating was not a thing in the Old Testament. Scripture says nothing about the dating relationship of prominent couples, such as Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. —Psalm 46:1–2 I have basically stopped watching the nightly news. I try, but the violence, the disrespect, the disregard for human life, and the foul language sours my stomach. It’s too hard to find rest in my warm bed after seeing the cruelties of the world played out in living color. Perhaps this is why

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” —John 15:16 When I think back on Christmases past, my most joyful memories occurred after all the presents had been unwrapped, after the garbage had been cleared and the gifts had been admired. That’s when there was singing, laughing, and lots of good food. Mom would pile a stack of Christmas