July 28, 2026 · 4:28 am

The Mind That Science Can’t Explain

What is consciousness? How do you define it? Where did it originate?

Those questions may not occupy our daily thoughts, but they continue to puzzle some of the world’s brightest scientists.

In a recent Scientific American article, “What Is Consciousness? Science Faces Its Hardest Problem Yet,” Allison Parshall explores a mystery that remains unsolved. Researchers know the brain contains some 86 billion neurons, yet they cannot explain how those cells give rise to the conscious mind—our awareness, identity, and sense of self. Continue reading →

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July 27, 2026 · 4:27 am

Love Does Not Brag

A strong young man at a construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen.

After several minutes, the older worker had had enough.

“Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is?” he said. “I’ll bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won’t be able to wheel back.” Continue reading →

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July 25, 2026 · 4:25 am

Weekly Recap: July 20-24

Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada

What a wonderful, exciting, and encouraging week we’ve experienced participating in the annual Wellandport VBS.  This church may be small in number compared to many other churches, but they are mighty in spirit.  And they put on a VBS that would rival many other churches four times their size. Continue reading →

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July 24, 2026 · 4:24 am

Passion: Champions Play with Heart

Michael Jordan, Tim Tebow, Pete Rose, Eric Liddell, and Wayne Gretzky—what do they all have in common?

Apart from being outstanding athletes in their respective sports, each was known for incredible passion. Continue reading →

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July 23, 2026 · 4:23 am

Focus: Champions Refuse Distractions

In The Greatest Finish Fails in Sports History, Andrew Daniels recounts several stories of runners, cyclists, and ballplayers who celebrated victory too soon—only to suffer heartbreaking defeat.

At the 2014 Shanghai Diamond League meet, Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi stretched out his arms and stuck out his tongue just before crossing the finish line in the men’s 800 meters. In those final moments, Kenya’s Robert Biwott surged past him for the victory. Continue reading →

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July 22, 2026 · 4:03 am

Teamwork: Champions Never Win Alone

One of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, John Wooden, believed teamwork was the indispensable ingredient of success. During an incredible 12-season stretch in the 1960s and 1970s, Wooden’s UCLA teams won an astonishing 10 NCAA Championships.

While he coached many players who later became NBA superstars, Wooden never allowed individual talent to overshadow the team. His philosophy was simple: “The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.” Continue reading →

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July 21, 2026 · 4:02 am

Perseverance: Champions Don’t Quit

Every four years, the Olympics reveal incredible displays of courage, fortitude, and perseverance. Few, however, can surpass what Sifan Hassan did during the Tokyo Olympics.

Hassan, a long-distance runner from the Netherlands, demonstrated remarkable determination in the 1,500-meter qualifying heat.

With one lap to go, a runner ahead of her tripped, creating a domino effect. Hassan tried unsuccessfully to leap over the fallen runner and crashed to the track herself. Continue reading →

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July 20, 2026 · 4:01 am

Discipline: Champions Train Intentionally

In her book Reach for the Summit, the late Hall of Fame University of Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summit offered this insightful observation:

“Discipline is the internal mechanism that motivates you. It gets you out of bed in the morning. It gets you to work on time, and it tells you when you need to work late. It drives you. It is essential to success, whether individually or in a group.”

Continue reading →

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July 18, 2026 · 4:18 am

Weekly Recap: July 13-17

Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada!

It’s great to be back in Canada, reconnecting with dear friends and brethren, enjoying the best gelato this side of Italy, and sharing God’s Word with some very special people.

On Sunday, we pick up the pace with the start of the Wellandport VBS. I’ll be preaching and teaching the adult class, using this year’s sports theme, “Developing the Heart of a Spiritual Champion.” Together, we’ll consider five essential qualities of a spiritual champion: Discipline. Perseverance. Teamwork. Focus. And Passion. Continue reading →

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July 17, 2026 · 6:33 am

Growing Older

As we hear of the passing of friends, acquaintances, and even people younger than we are, it’s impossible for Norma and me not to realize how richly God has blessed us at ages 78 and 79.

While we have our share of aches, pains, and the inevitable limitations that come with age, we are deeply grateful. Many faithful people were never granted the privilege of living long, fruitful lives.

So when I read this reflection from Daily Devotion, it resonated with me. I hope it encourages you as well—whether you’re young, middle-aged, or enjoying your later years. Continue reading →

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