WHY?

Usually, parents do not like to hear “Why?” from their children. When I asked “Why?” my mother gave the standard parental response: “Because I told you so!” Children should obey their parents. Continue reading >>

There are just a few days left in 2017. Many people, like me, spend time during the last week of the year reflecting on what the Lord has accomplished over the last year and looking forward to what the Lord has for us in the new year. It is also a time to reflect on what is important in life, what our priorities are, and what they should be. It is a time to think about all the Father has done for us and what we are doing to join Him in His work of reaching the world with the Gospel. Continue reading >>

PONDERING PURPOSE

Why are you here? Why didn’t God take you to heaven the moment you trusted Jesus?

You may answer these questions with ease because your life-purpose is clear. Some struggle to answer; their purpose is foggy at best.

“Who am I? Why am I here?” are revealing purpose-questions. Many of us re-visit them between Christmas and New Year’s Day each year. We ask ourselves, “Have I lived according to my purpose this year? What should I continue doing and what should I change in the next 12 months? Do I need to make adjustments to realign my life with my God-given purpose?” Continue reading >>

CHRISTMAS BLUES?

Roy Orbison’s song, “Only the Lonely,” isn’t about Christmas, but it describes the feelings of some people during the Christmas season. The “most wonderful time of the year” can be their worst time of the year. Christians aren’t exempt from intense loneliness. You may be one of the lonely. If so, I have good news for you! Continue reading >>

YOU NEED A PRAYER PARTNER

Do you have a prayer partner? Someone may ask, “Why would I want one or need one?”

Sooner or later, and likely it will be sooner rather than later, you will need God’s help. You’ll face an alarming crisis, an urgent need, or a critical decision. A prayer partner can help you shoulder the burden and find God’s answer.

God never intended for you to live the Christian life all alone. You need a prayer partner to join you in taking your petitions to the Father. Continue reading >>

MY OBSOLETE COMPUTER’S UNREALIZED POTENTIAL

Cindy and I bought our first home computer in September 1993. It was a Macintosh Performa 200 with a 9” monochrome display. By today’s standards, its 16 MHz 68030 processor, 2 MB of RAM, and 80 MB hard drive weren’t great. I didn’t realize it, but it wasn’t great even then. The model was discontinued and obsolete within a month, but it was a giant leap forward for us. Continue reading >>

Three Things To Remember During This Giving Season

Our culture transitions quickly from Thanksgiving to Christmas giving. At one time, the Thanksgiving emphasis lasted all the way from the third Thursday until the end of November. The Christmas season began on December 1. During my growing up years, “Black Friday” entered the scene. Today, we’ve added “Cyber Monday” and “Giving Tuesday.” These three days kick-off the giving season. Continue reading >>

MENTORING

“Practical mentoring” is a part of Northeastern Baptist College’s mission. Recently, a student asked an important mentoring question. “President Ballard, what do you do in your personal time with the Lord?” The question pleased me. A part of mentoring is sharing practical life experiences. Continue reading >>

I am often asked, “What’s it like to start a college?”

“It’s always exciting, never boring, and most of the time, it’s fun!” Continue reading >>

BCNE and NEBC

Last Friday and Saturday, Cindy and I attended our 20^th annual Baptist Convention of New England. Ben and two of our students attended with us. It was thrilling. We talked with old friends and met new ones. Continue reading >>