"Their Love Dreams On" (An Ode to Marriage)

A Hawaiian breeze, an Ethiopian sun,

In Biola's halls, a journey begun.

Two hearts intertwined, two cultures combined,

In laughter and in love, their souls aligned.

Through seasons of life, their love only grew,

From sunsets on beaches to quiet days and nights.

Thirty-seven years, a bond so true,

Then death took her, now lost to sight.

This week their golden anniversary would play.

Fifty years of dreams, now dark as night.

Cancer's cruel hand took her away,

Yet in his heart, her spirit shines bright.

In memories cherished, their story lives on,

A testament to grace, though she is gone.

The Lord is good -- he gave, then took.

Yet in his mind, their love dreams on.

Overbooked: Are We Publishing Too Many Books?

Publishing is a touchy thing because everyone has an opinion. But is there anyone out there who would disagree with me that there are too many books being published today? The book market clearly seems oversaturated. Far more books are being published than could possibly be helpful. The entire publishing industry seems to be wedded to a policy of overproduction. Sometimes I get books from publishers that I simply cannot believe made it into print. I say this as someone who dedicates a significant amount of his time to reading. 

I can already hear some of you telling me that there are worse things in life than a glut in book production and that we are actually fortunate to have this problem. You are probably right. Maybe I'm just getting ornery in my dotage. Besides, good readers will continue to curate their book choices. So problem solved, right? Still, in my opinion, there are too many poor quality books being published today. This is true not just for books but for knowledge in general. And I have the same problem with music. (Don't get me started on cable TV shows and YouTube videos.) 

Enough already, Dave. You're starting to sound like a crotchety old geezer. You're meandering. We're not having an existential crisis, now are we? 

*Creak.*

Struggling with Learning a New Language? Here Are Some Tips to Keep You Going

Are you struggling with an endeavor such as learning a new language? Let me suggest that you start kedging. Originally this was a nautical term. When sailors were becalmed and drifting toward the rocks, they would literally pull their boat forward to get it out of danger. They did this by attaching a line to a kedge anchor that was thrown in the intended direction of progress and then hauling it in after it had settled, thus pulling the boat in that direction. 

Kedging can be applied to our daily lives as a metaphor for moving forward in life by taking small, deliberate steps toward our goals. As we do this, we draw closer to our aspirations, much like a boat is pulled towards an anchor.

With strength training, kedging is what you have to do when you're tempted to throw in the towel and never do it again. Start with proper technique. Then choose weights you can lift comfortably in the 12-15 rep range. Additionally, aim to do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week. Cut back on exercises that might be working certain areas of your body too hard. Always allow at least 48 hours of rest between workouts for the same muscle group. Consider working with a personal trainer or fitness specialist. 

If you're a beginning Greek student, I suggest the following:

1. Play close attention during your first few weeks of language study. The foundational material is crucial for your success. Grasping the basics will make it easier for you to tackle more complex topics later in the course.

2. Focus on studying intensively for shorter periods rather than spreading out your learning over a long time. This approach can lead to better comprehension and retention of material. You'll notice that in my beginning grammar, each new topic is set off by a paragraph number. 

I suggest you study each topic thoroughly and master its contents before going on to the next topic.

3. Enhance your language learning with tools that will help you succeed. If you're using my grammar, make sure you avail yourself of the numerous resources on my Greek Portal, including the parsing guide and the additional worksheet. If you are studying on your own, take advantage of my instructional videos on YouTube.

4. Set small, clear goals. Instead of saying, "I want to master chapter 5 this week," set specific and actionable goals like, "I'll memorize the paradigms on Monday, the vocabulary on Wednesday, and complete the translation exercises on Friday."

5. Don't fear mistakes. Everyone makes them. They're a natural part of the learning process. Learning a new language is full of ups and downs, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming or boring. With the right "kedging" tools and a positive mindset, you can make progress, feel confident in the Lord, and enjoy the process.

Start now. Don't wait! 

Putting Your Books on a Diet

"I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead."  -- Mark Twain. 

Every spring semester I love introducing my Greek students to Paul's letter to the Philippians, including its structure and message. 

The epistle is not very long -- just 104 verses in our English Bibles. It takes maybe 15 minutes to read. And its Greek is not all that challenging. It's possibly the simplest letter Paul wrote. But that's not to say it has no enduring message. 

Since when have we separated profundity from simplicity? Why must the textbooks we write be confusing to be called profound? (A forthcoming "introduction" to New Testament Greek is rumored to be around 900 pages.) Philippians is a superb example of a simple letter with a profound message. It's meant to be understood. It's certainly meant to be read and studied. But it wasn't written to bore its readers. It was written to be savored and enjoyed, like a great meal or a morning cup of coffee or taking a walk in nature or savoring a good novel or baking cookies or watching the sunrise or snuggling under a warm blanket or taking a hot shower. 

Don't get me wrong. I like big books. Like this one. 

It's "only" 1,074 pages long. My longest book is The New Testament: Its Background and Message -- a mere 700 pages in length. But the fact is, you can write a shorter book that's just as powerful as a longer book. The sweet spot for me is between 100-200 pages. My feeling is if I can't convince you of my ideas in that amount of pages, I'm not going to get you there in 200-300 pages. Someone has said that the happiest people are rarely the richest or the most beautiful or the most talented. Happy people do not depend on the excitement produced by the external. They enjoy the fundamental, often very simple, things of life.

Shorter books like Philippians are awesome. They are lean. They are laser-focused. They are powerful. You write them faster, finish them sooner, and enjoy the process more. In fact, as Mark Twain said, writing something concise takes more effort that writing a 160K word magnum opus. 

You might try it sometime. 

A Big Anniversary This Month

Do you love old pictures as much as I do?

This month, on September 11, Becky and I would have celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Can you believe it? Fifty! I hope you will celebrate with me. 

I think about Becky every day. I thought about her tonight while talking to my daughter who just moved to Houston with her family and is sewing curtains for their new home. "How much like, Becky," I thought. 

She sewed not only curtains but many of her own dresses plus our reenacting uniforms and her ball gowns. She was a Proverbs 31 woman in so many ways. 

People never ask me what the secret is to a happy marriage. But if they did I would tell them -- choose wisely. For example, make sure the person is someone you like to be around. Love is not enough if someone is irksome or irresponsible. Obviously there are other qualities I could mention too, but right now I'm fighting a head cold and can't focus with all the sneezing I'm doing. So you'll just have to put up with more sentimental marriage stuff later. You poor people. A lasting marriage is a truly wonderful accomplishment and a huge undeserved blessing from the hand of the Lord! 

Hurricane Lowell

A big hurricane swell just hit the beaches of Oahu. Lucky dogs. 

Preserving Muscle As You Age

Active men in their 20s have about 15 percent body fat. By age 60, that number goes up to 25-30 percent. Why? Because our muscle mass begins to decline to the tune of 1-2 percent per year from age 30 on. Sarcopenia is the scientific term for this age-related muscle loss. It's a slow but steady process. Gradually muscle is replaced by body fat. For every pound of muscle you lose, you will typically gain a pound of fat. If you don't hold onto your skeletal muscle after 50 or 60, the curtain comes down, and it may not go back up again. 

That's hard to believe when you're young. But the older you get, the more true it is. Maintaining muscle strength is a game changer. Not just to get out of that chair or climb the stairs or hold your grandbaby. But to avoid falling and to keep you mobile in general. Otherwise sarcopenia takes over. You have to overcome that tide, folks. Few things matter as much as avoiding loss of muscle mass and you do that best with strength training. 

The important point is that we can all preserve our muscle with the right exercises. It can be done, no matter how old you are. 

Enjoying some pullups at Ala Moana Beach Park last month. 

Island Time

One month ago I flew to Honolulu to spend 9 days surfing at Waikiki. It was the perfect getaway. 

So blessed to call this place home. They say you can take the man out of the islands. But you can never the islands out of the man. 

A Test of Mettel

As you know, I have a goal of completing one more high altitude climb in the Swiss alps before I "retire" from the sport of alpinism. I sometimes fantasize about long, difficult approaches to remote mountains where I then embark on a quest to climb to the top. I've locked into a weekly training routine of 3 strength training days per week combined with daily steps and long runs. Periodization is the name of the game. There's no substitution for multiple hours of easy zone 2 cardio per week to be in any kind of respectable shape. There are no shortcuts. Training to climb an alp involves a demanding combination of aerobic capacity and sport-specific strength. I therefore go to the gym for one hour, three times a week. That's only 12 gym sessions a month. In going, I have several goals:

• Slowly add more weight to force my muscles to adapt and grow.
• Train the exact muscle groups I want to improve.
• Rest my body 48 hours so muscles can repair and rebuild.
• Prioritize controlled movements with lighter weights over heavy weights and bad form.

My goal is to climb this mountain. 

It's called the Mettelhorn. This will be my final climb in the alps. I will be 75 if the Lord allows me to make the attempt next summer. Far from being dangerous when approached correctly, pursuing ambiguous physical goals provides unique physiological opportunities that low-intensity exercise cannot match. By chasing down ambitious goals like running a marathon or lifting weights or summiting an alp, you force your body to maintain type-2 fast-twitch muscle fibers. This keeps the heart muscle and arteries flexible, thus dramatically lowering the risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Having a specific goal also provides a wonderful excuse for getting out of bed every morning and infuses your daily routine with discipline, structure, and excitement. But enough of all that. I leave you with some pics from today's workout. Have a great rest of your day! 

A picture of my gym this morning. 

You greet each other with a fist bump and a warm "Hello," then you get right down to work. These dudes are such inspirations to me! As you work out, you're reminded that weightlifting brings physical, mental, and emotional rewards that improve your daily life and long-term health. 

Exercises like pullups signal your body to create new bone tissue, which helps prevent osteoporosis. 

Seeing your body change also builds a powerful sense of self-worth and mental toughness. The strength I gain in the gym gives me more perseverance for everyday life. 

Once you're done lifting, you get in your steps for the day. Here are mine from this morning. 

If you truly care about your family and friends, encourage them to start working out and taking care of their health. They are blessed to have someone like you in their life who cares about their well-being and is actually excited to help. It will not take months but years to achieve your goal physique. But believe me, you can do it! 

Training Run + Civil War History = Happiness!

In April of 1865, four broad columns of troops passed out of the trenches around Richmond and Petersburg to begin streaming toward Amelia Court House in Southside, Virginia. Southside is where I reside. Lee's troops were awaiting relief in the form of Confederate boxcars on the Danville line at Amelia. The relief never came. Lee's men staggered on towards Danville, where a million and a half rations were stored. James Longstreet, Lee's favorite commander, stopped at Rice's Depot on April 6, just as a battle at Sailor's Creek broke out. Lee's remaining forces crossed the Appomattox and arrived in Farmville, where Grant ordered his inspector general to carry a communication to Lee under a flag of truce. Days later, Lee's surrender became history. 

Below: Lee's Retreat. 

This morning I decided I would do a training run beginning at Rice's Station. 

It's part of the High Bridge Trail system. 

This is the trail where hundreds of runners will seek to complete an ultramarathon this December. My goal was to run to High Bridge Station and then back to Rice.

I ended up getting in only about 7 miles. (Today the high was over 100.) 

Through the years I've learned that long-distance running is more about tenacity than about talent. Nearly anyone who is willing to take the time to carefully prepare for an ultra can go the distance, even mere mortals like me and you. But you have to be willing to carve out time in your life and commit to a training program to go the distance. You don't have to be a professional athlete to accomplish great things. Even a slow runner like me can bask in the glory of race day success. 

Remember, your main goal is to have a good time, not to finish with a fast time. Everyone can be a long distance athlete. Someone in worse shape than you is already training. Patience is your most important training goal. There are no easy ultramarathon courses. But tenacity will see you through. 

P. S. I like taking tertiary roads when I'm driving in Southside.

Here's the trailhead at Rice.

Nice but hot day! 

The Soil Is Never in a Hurry (So Why Should I Be?)

I am not a farm apologist. I don't believe that the agrarian life is a superior lifestyle to any other. We won't become an agrarian society again, and there's nothing wrong with that. And so I would never try to convince you (or anybody else) to become a farmer. 

However, I think there's merit in trying to bring back some basic agrarian principles into our lives. We could all use the unforced rhythms of grace. Farmers understand this. We don't push ourselves to the limit under artificial light. We accept the natural, God-given rhythms and seasons of life. My family and I have found these rhythms of agriculture to be delightful. This evening we began our work in the afternoon and worked until just after sundown. 

I was reminded of just how deeply attuned to the natural rhythm of the earth I have become. Crops cannot be rushed by human impatience. Farming is a living, interconnected ecosystem that requires patience and respect for natural cycles. It takes time to bale hay, lots of time. Our motto is "Never in a hurry." But while the mindset is unhurried, the farming lifestyle is far from lazy. It's about choosing a sustainable pace. 

Farming provides the perfect outlet for Type A personalities like me. The repetitive tasks of the farm act as a healthy pressure-release valve for a restless, action-oriented mind. Farming acts like therapy. It forces you to accept limits. It teaches you to control what you can and to trust God for the rest. Days are long and full in the summer and short and slow in the winter. Farming allows you to rest by shifting from mental exhaustion to physical activity. When you cut a field, you can look back and see exactly what your labor accomplished. 

I have never found that farming asks me to turn off my drive. It simply gives that drive a place to land and converts mental tension into physical peace. It's just a lovely way of living. 

If that's your experience too, you are blessed indeed. 

Goal Tending

I don't know about you, but I like to plan ahead, especially when it comes to my annual races and travels. So I've started putting together my 2027 calendar. But I can't be too forward-thinking as there are still dreams to be chased down this year. I'm now laser-focused on my 50K race in December. This distance is the craziest thing I've ever done. Everyone told me you would cry when you finished your first 32-mile race. However, I was all out of tears by the time I made it to the finish line. By God's grace, I had completed something that only a small percentage of people in the world could say they'd accomplished. I ask myself why I do this. I don't know. All I know is that the day after a race I know something new about myself I did not know when I started the race. It moves me beyond words to see people pushing beyond their limits, be it during an ultra or in a Greek classroom. Sometimes students thank me for motivating them to learn Greek. But really, the pleasure is all mine. I have nothing but the greatest respect for those who make themselves uncomfortable in order to dig deep and grow. That's probably why I love both teaching and racing so much.  

Anyways, here are a couple of pics from today's workout. Learning to set reasonable and achievable goals is one of the most challenging things I do each year. Running can help us stop and consider our goals for today and our dreams for tomorrow. Remember: A goal is something to work toward, something to help keep you dedicated. But it's the process of working toward the goal that's most important. Small, steady steps create lasting change. 

Have a wonderful day! 

The "Apostles" of the Movie 1917

I simply can't wait for tonight's Greek class to begin. We'll be learning Greek second declension nouns that include such important words as "angel," "apostle," "sinner," "servant," "God," and even "Jesus." In case you didn't know, in my Greek classes we jump in feet first. When you study Greek with me you don't stand by the banks catching little guppies. You quickly dive deeply and before you know it you're in way over your head and the waves are huge and the currents are strong. But the rewards are out of this world!

I wish I could do a complete word study tonight of each and every one of our Greek vocabulary words. Take apostolos for example. What is an apostle you ask? It's very simple. He's a special messenger with a special message sent on a special mission. Got it? Moreover, he was empowered by the one who sent him. Want a great example of what I'm talking about? Look no further than the magnificent movie 1917.

As you recall, this film is a visceral portrayal of two young British soldiers tasked with delivering a crucial message across enemy lines during WWI. The message they carried could potentially save thousands of lives. The plot unfolds as a race against time. Their journey quickly becomes a crucible testing their courage and resilience. Both are willing to risk their lives for the greater good. If that doesn't sound like a New Testament apostle, I don't know what does!

Schofield, the movie's hero, initially seems less invested in the message but slowly discovers his sense of duty. The denouement of the film occurs when he eventually succeeds in delivering his message to Colonel MacKenzie of the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. The attack is thankfully called off. 

Schofield's hand injury sustained early in the film underscores the ever-present danger of war. He descends into no-man's land, the fiery ruins of Écoust, and a corpse-strewn stream -- a Dante-esque underworld of horrors if ever there was one. Interestingly enough, the scene where he runs across the battlefield as the first wave of soldiers charged was unscripted in the moment when he accidentally bumps into other soldiers. These real collisions were used in the final cut.

While the war is the background to the movie, Schofield's "apostolic" mission becomes the focal point of meaning. Despite being cautious and war-weary, his sense of duty and urgency transforms him from a cynical survivor into a determined savior. 

Like you, I was completely blown away by 1917. I felt like I was right there with Blake and Schofield. The film captures not only the sheer terror of war but also the way messengers navigated the chaotic battle to deliver their life-saving orders. 

Sounds a lot like the life of Paul the "apostle," doesn't it? 

New to Greek? God Will Enable You

Greek student: success in this class means we must get beyond all excuses and rationalizations.

• "I can't."
• "I don't have any language aptitude."
• "I'm so busy."
• "My study habits are terrible."
• "This is my very first foreign language."
• "I was terrible in English."
• "Do you know how young (or old) I am?"

This semester, at some point you're going to say, "Lord, I'm in way over my head. I'm so totally inadequate." Good! In Jeremiah 1, Jeremiah told the Lord, "I'm too young. I can't do this!" God told him not to use his age (or anything else) as an excuse. God promised to be with him and put his words in his mouth. God told him to speak whatever he commanded. And God commanded him to go wherever he sent him. 

The Lord provided EVERYTHING that was missing.

It's the same for us today.

God will enable you.

He will. 

Why I Love Vacationing in Switzerland

Everywhere you look is beauty.

Then there's the cleanliness.

The transportation system.

The healthy cows with bells.

The clean rivers.

The stunning scenery.

The chocolate.

The mountains.

The friendly people.

The efficiency.

The fresh air.

History everywhere.

The traditions.

Something different in every city.

Total acceptance (no sense of being a foreigner).

Political stability.

One other thing. I'm really impressed by the expectation of responsibility among tourists. No big "DANGER" signs or fences restricting activity and poor decision making. Of course, you need to act wisely. I've never climbed a peak without a mountain guide (about $840 per day but worth every penny). Lord willing, I'll be back in Zermatt next summer to climb the Mettelhorn. 

It's a vacation you don't want to end. 

Everything in Moderation (Or, Do I Run Too Much?)

This afternoon I went for a run. Of course I did. 

Maybe all of you think I'm going to drop dead while running. I doubt it. If you read my blog, you know that not only do I think running is amazing for your overall health but that it's a wonderful antidote for growing older. I'm not saying there aren't any risks. Drink coffee? Coffee can kill you, but it can also keep dementia away. Eggs will clog your arteries. Oh wait -- there are health benefits from eating eggs. In the end, you can make your case for living whatever kind of life you want to live. 

Personally, I feel that running is a gift from God. It's far better than sitting on the sofa watching TV all day and eating Doritos. I don't really care what this study or that study says. Anything you do in life involves a risk. So you find what you love to do and then accept the risks. The alternative is to live your life always thinking about every little thing that could happen to you. 

I will not live my life that way. 

Yes, I will be responsible. Yes, I will see my cardiologist annually. Yes, I will take probiotics, multivitamins, and enzymes daily. Yes, I will eat well and sleep well. Yes, I will listen to my body. Will I stop running? The answer is no. 

Everything we do is a risk. Doing no exercise is bad for you. Doing too much exercise is bad for you. The same can be said about anything else in our lives. Even drinking water. Frankly -- and here's something Baptists are particularly reticent to accept -- nearly everybody in North America is on the too little exercise side of the equation. I run several times a week. At no time am I sore or achy. At no time am I out of breath. I'd prefer the risk of running and being able to perform hard physical labor any day over being sedentary. What if I do die running? Then I died doing something I loved. 

At 74, my motto is, "Everything in moderation." I still run 32-mile ultras but I am not an "extreme" athlete. I run (or walk) slowly and take my time finishing the race. I run ultras simply for the athletic aspect of it, regardless of the level I compete at. In fact, because of my God-given temperament, even if there were no health benefits from running, I would still do it if it made me feel on top of the world. I love running like so many others do but not necessarily to have a longer life but to have a better life. The feeling of wellbeing cannot be overstated. I am a true believer that you do what works for you. Give your body what it needs to be healthy. 

Thank the Lord, I've never felt better or stronger. I still have a lot of work to do with my aging body and will continue to push myself. If I die in the process, so be it. I choose to live better each day. Running makes me live better. 

Everything in moderation -- including moderation! 

Today's Training Run

Today I drove up to Lunenburg County for a training trail run for my 50K in December. 

It was only 10 miles. 

Still, that's a third of the total distance of the race. That ultra on Dec. 6 is my hugest, biggest, most ginormous goal left in 2026. It will involve strict training. Prior to that I finished up my gym workout from yesterday. 

I was doing an upper body workout yesterday when it was time for haying. I rarely leave anything undone!

Tell me, what did you do today for exercise?

Bold and Old

I know when you get older you begin thinking, "Well, I need to pull the blinds and put another lock on the door." It's so easy to get crotchety. You don't want to do that. I know you're old. Your enemy is telling you you're over it. Get past that. Today I had lunch at a Chinese buffet with 7 grandkids whom I love to pieces. 

At Papa B's request, they tried to eat with chopsticks. 

I loved it. 

A life that's empty of purpose and passion until age 74 will not suddenly become filled upon retirement. If you're not active now, I can't imagine how docile you'll be when you get into your 70s and 80s. Practice now. Don't worry about what others think. Earlier today I worked out at the gym, as I do three days a week. 

I am not a helpless victim. 

Believe me, there is something I can do about my aging body to keep it in good shape. 

Steps. Why not start out with daily steps? 

After that we finished baling 12 acres of hay. It's simply called being active. 

Friend, I'm inviting you to do the same. Be engaged. This is the best time now to do so. Stay strong in prayer. Be bold in courage. Cultivate closeness with your friends and family. The aging apostle Paul was such a model of this. No bitterness. He never got cranky. The man just pulled out all the stops. 

Older saint: We need you bold and old.

A Simple Hack If You're Learning German

If you're wanting to learn German and wish to visit Germany for practice, I do not recommend that you go to big cities like Frankfurt or Berlin. Everyone is used to speaking English in the bigger cities in Germany. Once they sense the slightest level of discomfort on your part about speaking German, they will switch to English. The result is that you may not be able to practice much German there. So try and get out to the country by taking the train or the tram and then, say, eating a meal in a German restaurant. Your efforts will be greatly rewarded I think. Here I am in a mountain restaurant above Zermatt asking my server where he thinks I'm from. What fun! 

The New Battle for the Bible Within Evangelicalism

We seem to live in an evangelical subculture that can tolerate anything but intolerance. 

When I was in seminary, I was taught to respect scholars with whom I disagreed as individuals. But that never meant that I was obligated to accept or approve of or participate in their beliefs or their behavior. Tolerance did not mean that every belief had equal validity. You were still supposed to be discerning. And while you certainly respected the person, you didn't necessarily agree with their interpretation of Scripture. 

Today, the "new tolerance" teaches that all truth claims are equal in validity and that truth is relative. The impression is left that there are no absolutes like absolute biblical authority any more. Isn't it amazing how every 50 years or so the doctrine of inerrancy comes under attack within evangelicalism? I lived through the battle for the Bible that took place in the 1970s. My students are now living through a very similar battle in the 2020s. Recently, Paul Weaver of Dallas Seminary sat down to interview Dr. Richard Howe of Southern Evangelical Seminary. They discussed the latest attack on the Bible within the evangelical camp. 

It's a disturbing trend to say the least. Last Monday night I spent some time walking my Greek students through 2 Tim. 3:16-17 in the hopes of rekindling within them a renewed fire for the God-breathed Scriptures. I warned them about those who seem to find delight in finding "errors" in the Bible. These teachers seem to be growing in popularity. Wrong teaching can come from very gifted individuals. 

Let me tell you whom I'm most concerned about today and that would be our teens and college students. Within these demographics, emotion seems to be the Guiding Light rather than logic or credible evidence. I have spent much of my life documenting the evidences of our faith, but because of the widespread influence of the new tolerance I've discovered that the truth of the Bible is increasingly becoming a non-issue. Fewer and fewer people are asking questions about the new attack on biblical inerrancy. The line between truth and error has gotten blurred. 

That's why I'm so happy for voices like Richard Howe who are calling us back to a place where right is right and wrong is wrong so that the standard of absolute biblical authority might be reestablished for a new generation of Christians. Please join me in praying that the Lord will give us the courage and the tact to stand for what is true and especially the willingness to be labeled as narrow and bigoted. 

I Feel So Sorry for These New Testament Verses, Don't You?

Certain verses just seem to languish in the shadow of the verse that follows them. I mean, how about poor old John 3:15? Or Rom. 8:27? Or 1 John 1:8? Or Eph. 2:7?

Let's look briefly at this latter example. Here's the Greek of verse 8, the one we've all memorized:

Please note the word highlighted in yellow. It's the Greek word for "the." Greek scholars call this the article of previous reference. This means that Paul is not referring to grace in general but to the grace he's mentioned in verse 7, namely, the grace of God. A few English translations actually try to bring this out. Kudos to them! These include:

• GNT: "For it is by God's grace that you have been saved."
• ISV: "For by such grace you have been saved."
• NGU: "Noch einmal: Durch Gottes Gnade seid ihr gerettet."

Clearly, "by grace" in verse 8 means the grace already mentioned in verse 7, namely, God's grace. 

This is basic hermeneutics, folks. Contextless exegesis is poor exegesis. Always has been, always will be. Context refers to that which goes before and that which follows after. So whenever you study a verse, a paragraph, or a section, always consult the neighbors of that verse, that paragraph, or that section. Whenever you get lost, climb the "contextual tree" and get a bird's eye view of the context!

Sailing on to Maturity in Christ (Heb. 6:1)

One of my great joys is teaching my new students how the Greek verb works. It has architectural precision! Next Monday we'll continue our discussion of verbs and introduce a handful of additional vocabulary words, including the verb pherō. Sadly, this verb is mistranslated in Heb. 6:1 in most English versions. I think this might be a good time to remind all of us of a basic principle of biblical interpretation. Don't go too hurriedly when you work your way through verses of Scripture. I think the most common mistake made is when people hope to finish several chapters in one sitting and so they're interested mainly in speed rather than absorption. Linger over words, especially the verbs. Turn the word over and over again in your mind so that you can actually visualize it happening. In Heb. 6:1, Paul didn't write "Let us press on to maturity." He wrote, "Let us continue to be carried along to maturity." The verb Paul uses here, as I said, is pherō. It's a metaphor taken from the world of sailing. We might paraphrase Paul's thought as: "Let us raise our sails as it were and allow ourselves to be carried along to spiritual maturity by the Holy Spirit of God." 

The connection between divine action and human response is a thought present throughout the epistle. We advance to a higher state of holiness by being "borne along" as if by the current of a stream or the wind in a sail. There is still need of human effort to be sure, but sanctification is ultimately dependent on God's work in us through the Holy Spirit. As we actively pursue holiness, our progress is sustained by God's grace and power. Hence there is a beautiful balance between  human responsibility and divine sovereignty, as Paul is eager to point out frequently in his writings (see, for example, Phil. 2:12-13). 

So when we as believers take action, our ability to do so comes from God's presence and power. This truth is not optional for the believer. It's at the center of spiritual maturity. God has called us to sanctification. And thanks be to God, he has also given us his Holy Spirit who washes, sustains, convicts, comforts, strengthens, and perfects holiness in the life of the believer!

I Think I May Have Invented a New Word

Today we spent the day farming. My grandson worked alongside us. When Becky and I purchased our farm 26 years ago, we had a dream. We dreamed that the farm would eventually become an intergenerational farm. And guess what? I'm more than grateful to be able to say this is exactly what our God has allowed it to become. I thought about that as my 17-year old grandson operated the baler today. 

The fact that our farm now involves three generations is almost beyond me. Thank you, God, for never leaving nor forsaking me or my family. 

Farms used to be passed along from generation to generation. It only made sense that parents would pass the farm to their children who had grown up participating in farm life. Since the 1980s, farms have been gobbled up either by corporate agribusinesses or data farms. Today, fewer than half of American farms are family-run operations. But some small farms are bucking the establishment. Why, horse breeders have even come from as far away as Charlotte, NC, for our hay. 

Today I farmed with my son and my grandson. I guess that makes me a grandfarmer. Not sure if I've ever heard that word before. But feel free to call me that any time. 

My Favorite Calling: Teaching!

This is wonderful! 

Starting a new semester is a big and exciting step! 

You will meet classmates who share your faith and love for the Lord Jesus. 

You will study ancient languages. 

You will grow stronger as you learn. 

We're all so expectant for what God has in store for us this year! 

The start of a fall semester brings a fresh wave of energy. 

In-person classes at the seminary are full again, and I can't wait to see how God moves in our community this semester! 

Hope your semester is off to a great start! 

My Monday night Greek class: 

I Love Surfing

On Kukio Beach in Waikiki, there's a 9-foot statue that stands with open arms to greet visitors. It's the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku statue. It sits right on the Waikiki beach boardwalk. I took this video on August 10, 2026. 

The statue emphasizes the Duke's immense role in globalizing the sport of surfing. 

Today surfing is such a popular sport because it combines the thrill of harnessing the power of the ocean with the laid back style of the surfing community. Surfers enjoy an often spiritual bond with the ocean. In my opinion, surfing and golf are the two most difficult sports to become really good at. 

People surf for all kinds of reasons. I've been surfing for 64 years. I started in Hawaii, them I surfed in California for 27 years. Nowadays I occasionally get to catch a few waves at Virginia Beach. The waves used to be in my front yard literally. I surfed almost daily on some of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific coast on Oahu. It was always fun and extremely joyful. The "point" for me is the connection to the now. I can be fully engaged in the moment and part of it. The failed drops. The stinging in the eyes. The successful turns. Getting to drop in on a wave every couple of minutes. Surfing gives me a dopamine high like nothing else, not even marathoning. Just think: A wave that travelled many miles just for my enjoyment. It's a beautiful thing. 

I love surfing and have done it for over 6 decades. When the water is like glass and the waves are peeling perfectly, all is well with the world. It's like climbing a tall mountain and then savoring a cup of delicious coffee at the peak. There's a lot of paddling and waiting, but you get this one moment to appreciate what you accomplished. Surfing always clears my head. I like the no phone, no kids, no distractions atmosphere. 

Life has changed for me dramatically over the years, but the one constant has been surfing. It has kept me sane through career changes, widowerhood, and health issues. Every time I felt overwhelmed I had this sport. I broke my rib when I was surfing in my teens at Pipeline. Today that rib acts up whenever I paddle out. But who cares? I still love to go out and catch a wave. 

I never regret a surfing trip to Hawaii. Once in a blue moon, when I truly catch a great wave, that makes it all worthwhile. It's the best way I could ever think to get outside and exercise. Much less stressful and cheaper than going to a gym! 

5K (3.1 Mile) Racing Tip

It's the first 5,000 meters that are the hardest in a 3.1 mile race. Just thought you should know. 

September Wellness Challenge

Who's joining?

• Gym at least twice per week.
• Move for 30 minutes a day doing any physical activity you enjoy.
• Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
• Avoid fast food 6 out of every 7 days.
• No eating after 8 pm to enhance sleep quality and reduce late-night snacking.
• 8 hours of sleep per night.
• Read Bible every morning. 

Don't Be Ashamed to Tell Students You Love Them

So excited to pour out my life again during tonight's Greek class. I love these students! I'm reminded of something Paul said about the Thessalonians. "For now we truly live, if you stand firm in the Lord" (1 Thess. 3:8). The EXB reads, "Our life is really full!" Get this. Paul's "life" was contingent to a degree on their continued steadfastness. He's saying, "My very life depends on your stability in Christ and your correct Christian walk." Any good teacher will tell you that they flourish when those they are training are steady as a rock in the exercising of their duties as students. Paul's whole life seemed to be bound up with the churches he had founded. They were his "children," his "loved and longed-for," his "hope and joy and crown of boasting" (1 Thess. 2:19). And he wasn't ashamed to tell them that!

Greek prof, tell your students that you love them. Tell them often. Tell them unabashedly. Then support that statement by your gracious treatment of them. They will be drawn to you like a magnet. 

Donuts in Church?

Recently I read about a church that changed its policy and decided to allow coffee and donuts in the sanctuary. Their thinking went something like this: Nothing should stand between a hell-bound sinner and salvation other than the scandal of the cross. Interestingly, Chuck Swindoll had a very similar approach when he became the president of Dallas Seminary and the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church. You can read about that here. 

P.S. To be honest with you, I'm not a complete libertarian when it comes to this matter. Donuts are okay in the sanctuary, but I draw the line at sprinkles. No sprinkles in church, please. 

Staying Active and Productive As We Age (2 Pet. 1:8)

One of the greatest fears we face as we age is that of living lives that are both useless and fruitless. I certainly entertain that fear from to time. We don't want to reach that point in our lives where we spend our days in uselessness and unfruitfulness. This more than anything causes the elderly to suffer from depression, especially when they've enjoyed a life of productivity and usefulness. Life now seems to have passed them by.

All these thoughts flooded my mind as I did my devotions in 2 Peter 1 this morning. Verse 8 contains two very interesting -- and convicting -- words. 

Peter is describing a life that has become useless and fruitless. In verse 5, he says we are to "make every effort" not to live that way. The aged need to be engaged in the diligent application of biblical truth in their lives if they want to live a life that is useful and productive. I've always loved being around older people who live that way.

Interestingly, the term translated "useless" could also be rendered "inactive." The CEB, in fact, renders the verse as follows: "If all these are yours and they keep growing in you, they'll keep you from being inactive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." The Message says, "With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus." 

There are a million reasons why activity is just as important for adults as it is for kids. Not only does it boost cognitive function, it protects mental health and reduces stress -- all things the elderly can benefit from. If you're not making time for exercise, chances are you're feeling unproductive without it. I'm not saying we should adopt a "no pain, no gain" mentality. If something is hurting, especially as we grow older, it's not something to ignore. High-impact activities can especially be hard on the knees, so choose low-impact exercises. Walking may not be as exciting as running but it's safer. You can still gain muscle mass and strength well into your 80s. Above all, choose an activity that you want to do, not have to do. 

It's never too late to start been physically active and to achieve the real benefits of an active lifestyle!