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“Providence” is a word we use frequently in talking about God, but we may not have thought deeply about what it means. Theologian Timothy George defines it as “God’s faithful and effective care and guidance of everything which He has made toward the end which He has chosen.” God’s providence was a deep comfort to both Nanci and me as we faced her cancer.

The Old Testament uses no single word for universe or cosmos. When Genesis 1:1 speaks of God’s creating “the heavens and the earth,” the words are synonymous with what we mean by universe. Heavens refers to the realms above the earth: atmosphere, sun, moon, and stars, and all that’s in outer space. 

This Black Friday, it’s worth reminding ourselves that we are living in an era when we have more material possessions than any generation before us. Compared to Americans living in the 1950s, we have countless more conveniences, including big-screen TVs, microwaves, online shopping, smartphones, and twice as many cars. It’s easy to assume our purchases will automatically lead to greater contentment.

What we need in our churches today are fewer actors and more sold-out followers of Jesus—converted people living lives centered on Jesus, the King of kings. And the good news is, there truly are many such people in our churches. Our goal should be to cultivate more and more of them. 

One of the questions I’m often asked about Heaven relates to Isaiah 65:17. A reader recently asked, “What does it mean ‘the former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind’? Is this speaking about the old earth itself or are we not going to have any memories of the past including family, friends, talents, life?”

I hope these words from Alex Cravens, a dad and youth pastor from Russellville, Arkansas, encourage you as a parent or grandparent. May we be faithful to rise to the challenge of these times and point the next generation to Jesus.