Editorials

Most of us have read the book of Genesis and the story of creation many times, but have you ever “read between the lines”?

First Chronicles 12:32 mentions the tribe of Issachar who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (NIV). We need Issacharian pastors today who understand the trends and changes in our culture, and who will reach out to and engage people for Christ in relevant ways.

In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey promoted a principle to be considered by every leader and organization. It was called “First Things First.” Through this idea, he advocated for leaders to focus on what would advance the mission of an organization.

Editorial by Gary Gibbs

With the invention of the iPhone, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, revolutionized the way the world communicates. Yet, days before he died, Jobs wept as he confessed to his adult daughter, Lisa, “I didn’t spend enough time with you when you were little.”

The prosperous story of Facebook is an excellent example of God’s plan to reach every human being with His grace. Our first responsibility is with those in which we daily relate.

That the legacy of Lucy Byard—who in 1943 was denied care from the Washington Sanitarium (now Washington Adventist Hospital) because she was African-American—would find such a generative expression in the successor to the hospital that failed to treat her is both appropriate and an indication of how her experience has shaped our history.

When I pray, one of my favorite scriptures I repeat is 2 Peter 1:4. God has given us “exceedingly great and precious promises” (NKJV). I know that God had prepared this perfect house for us.