One of the great characters in the Bible is Barnabas, often overshadowed by his partner, the apostle Paul. Known as the "Son of Encouragement," Barnabas played a crucial role in welcoming Saul after his conversion and bringing him to the apostles. Barnabas's faith and encouragement extended to John Mark, whom he mentored despite Paul’s initial rejection, demonstrating his unwavering support and belief in others. In today's stressful times, embodying Barnabas's spirit of encouragement can bring joy and strength to ourselves and those around us, making a profound difference in our communities.

When I was 22, I was invited to speak at a small Free Methodist Church in Santa Cruz, led by the eccentric Pastor Jan, a Hungarian surfer. The church service, filled with unexpected moments like a vocal of the worship team forgetting her words and Pastor Jan’s dog barking, set the stage for my first sermon on Hebrews 4. Despite my lack of understanding, I attempted to explain the complex theme of rest, only to realize I was in over my head when a congregant questioned my message. Reflecting on that experience years later, I now grasp that true rest comes from trusting God to guide us through life's challenges.

I love it when people smile, but I've noticed there aren't many smiles in our post-COVID culture. Despite living near a beautiful harbor trail and greeting people with a smile during my walks, only about half of them respond similarly, while others remain expressionless. Smiling is a gift that lifts spirits and reflects the joy of the Lord, even though the Bible doesn’t explicitly command it. My big idea is to start smiling, keep smiling, and don't stop smiling, as our smiles can bring God's glory to everyday life.

The word "remnant" refers to something left over, and it is a nuanced term often used in the Bible to describe a group of people with a special purpose chosen by God. In the story of Gideon from Judges 7, God deliberately reduced Gideon's army to a small number to ensure that the victory over the Midianites was attributed to divine intervention, not human strength. This concept underscores that God uses remnants to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing dependence on Him rather than human abilities. Today, the church is seen as God's remnant, and despite discouraging trends, believers should take courage in being part of this special group through which God continues to work.

I met my wife Karen the day I graduated from college, and after a previous broken engagement, I was cautious about marriage, leading me to break up with her multiple times before finally proposing. Despite warnings about the difficulties of the first year of marriage, our early years were wonderful until a crisis hit in year 14, which we managed to overcome. At one point, I became controlling and critical of Karen, culminating in a harsh confrontation that made her cry and made me realize I needed to change. I decided to let Karen be herself, which brought back the woman I fell in love with, teaching me that allowing your spouse to be themselves is crucial for a happy marriage.

Moving can be a daunting experience, especially for those of us who loathe the process. My wife, Karen, and I lived in the same home for nearly 30 years until our landlord decided to sell. The move was devastating. In the 12th chapter of Genesis, Abraham faces a similar challenge at age 75 when God instructs him to leave everything he knows and move to an unknown land. Unlike us, Abraham had no clear directions—only the promise of God's blessing. His faith earned him a place in the Hall of Faith, and despite the uncertainty, he stayed hopeful by looking forward to God's eternal city. Moving pushes us out of our comfort zones, but it's often when God does His greatest work. So, take heart—God is guiding us all towards something greater.

After a challenging period at Pacific Life Church due to staff shortages, my wife Karen and I took a much-needed vacation to New Mexico, feeling exhausted but returning refreshed and blessed after ten days. Not all vacations are equal; some can leave you more tired than before. Reflecting on Moses' busy life and God's commandment to rest in Exodus, I realized true rest comes from God, not just from vacations or activities. I encourage everyone planning a summer vacation to invite God into their time off for a deeper, more meaningful refreshment.

In a recent reflection, I shared a moment where I felt pressured to retire at a certain age, despite feeling capable and willing to continue. Approaching 70, I discussed retirement with a friend who suggested I still had much to offer. This prompted me to pray for guidance and reconsider my plans, recalling the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6. I realized the importance of trusting God's timing over societal expectations or personal pressures, emphasizing that age should not dictate our life decisions. My advice: learn from life's lessons and seek God's direction rather than conforming to others' expectations.