Some of the oddest things spark old memories. Psychologists call them emotional triggers, but I believe they are God-given catalysts of recall. A song we hear or a sight we see can quickly place our minds in retro mode.
Author: Jon Lands
A Shepherd’s Heart, A Servant’s Calling: Jon Lands grew up in the hills of East Tennessee, where the steeples of small country churches stood tall against the Appalachian sky. It was there, in those humble sanctuaries, that he first heard the gospel, first felt the warmth of a church family, and first sensed the call of God on his life. At 15, that call became clear—he was to preach. Not long after, while still in high school, he found himself behind a microphone, not just in the pulpit but also as a high school DJ at a small 500-watt radio station, learning early on the power of words to reach both hearts and homes.
His ministry journey took him from serving on pastoral staff in Alaska and Tennessee to pastoring in West Virginia, where he poured his heart into shepherding God’s people. Under his leadership, a small congregation of 60 grew into a thriving church of over 1,000, stepping forward in faith through three major building programs, including developing a new multi-million dollar campus. Through it all, Jon remained what he was at heart—a pastor who loved his people, walked with them through life’s joys and struggles, and pointed them to Christ.
Alongside his pastoral ministry, Jon’s love for broadcasting never faded. He founded a regional FM radio network in West Virginia, using the airwaves to encourage and strengthen believers. Today, that passion continues as he leads Rejoice Radio, a national network reaching listeners across the country and around the world.
Now serving as Executive Vice President of one of the largest Christian liberal arts colleges in America, Jon remains committed to shepherding people—whether in the classroom, through the airwaves, or in the daily work of preparing the next generation to stand strong in their faith.
He and his wife, Jenny, have been married for over 30 years, stepping into their first full-time ministry role in Alaska just two weeks after their wedding. Today, their greatest joy is seeing their four children actively engaged in Christian education and ministry.
For the Birds, Sons Need Fathers
Sons learn from fathers, but that’s not just true for people. It’s true for birds, too.
Something has gone wrong for an endangered black and yellow bird species in Australia, the regent honeyeater. Researchers found that 12 percent of male regent honeyeaters in the study failed to learn any songs specific to their species. Only a few hundred of these birds remain, so it’s a severe problem.
The males are not learning the love song they need for courtship with females. The males have to learn it from the father birds. But when young males don’t have proper role models, they learn the wrong songs from the wrong birds.
Stoop!
Benjamin Franklin was known for having an enormous ego as a young man. He made a systematic, lifelong endeavor to curb his excessive if justifiable pride. He later confessed, "Even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility."Franklin recounted the story of his younger years …
Stoop!
In this ego-captivated culture, many are called the GOAT or G.O.A.T. -The Greatest of All Time. High-paid athletes and notable celebrities receive accolades and applause of the culture as the "greatest of all time" mirage is played out in front of us every day. But Jesus, indeed the greatest of all time, quietly taught and exemplified stooping in his ministry. The Son of God stooped a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death.
A Good Word 