Copyright ©2020 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. A few months ago, I was dismayed by the criticism that some received for their first steps toward attempts to change. The criticizers basically assumed

Copyright ©2020 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. Recently, I found myself in a low place emotionally. I reflected upon that scripture found in 1st Samuel 30:6. It is much easier said than done.

Copyright ©2020 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. In religious teachings and discussions, repentance is merely a theological concept for many. It is woefully misunderstood and underestimated in its

Copyright ©2019-2020 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. When I found myself reading Deuteronomy 9 one day, it struck me as a damning indictment against those among Israel who feel self-righteous,

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. While enduring some unpleasant challenges recently, I found myself reflecting on a statement that I've offered a few times in exhortation: "While

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. A few months ago, I was reflecting upon the events during our trip to drop off my daughter to college. I recall her talent, the talent of her classmates,

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. In recent moments of contemplation, I found myself becoming upset and exasperated because people, by willful ignorance or apathetic indifference,

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. In a moment of contemplation, I became aware of the tendency that we all have to create or live by stories that we tell ourselves (or that we've

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. One of the common criticisms about religion is that it's too strict, that it's out of touch with how the modern world works, and that, in light of

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. One of the hallmarks of today's society is constant (and sometimes ruthless) competition and unconscious judgment. Most people, due to their lack

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. In recent months and years, one of the things that has troubled me most as a minister is seeing how accustomed people are to, and how comfortable

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. In recent months, I've found myself being drawn to include within my messages the reality that God is not going to do everything for you, no matter

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. Recently, I found myself thinking on a sermon distributed in 1903 by Bishop William S. Crowdy (whom I affectionately call "the Prophet) entitled,

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. Religious practitioners and doctrines often refer to "that day" as one that is urgently coming, but from what I've seen recently, fewer

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. By the time we reach 30 years old, most of us have learned how to drive, have lived on our own (and perhaps away from our home/family), have gone

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. For this calendar year 2019, my Congregation embraced for our annual theme, "If Thou Shalt Seek." Seeking the LORD is a common refrain

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. The scripture from 2nd Chronicles 7:14 has found its way into the mainstream in recent years. It is not surprising, given the unsteady predicament

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. Recently, I found myself conversing about, and subsequently being inspired by the precept found at 2nd Timothy 3:16. As I contemplated this scripture,

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. In a recent moment of contemplation, I found it stunning that while many people espouse so many life goals and plans, few (if any) achieve any of

Copyright ©2019 by The Good Elder. All rights reserved. One of the goals or desires of many religious practitioners is to obtain salvation in time for the culmination of "the last days." Few