Wisdom of an Elder

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Matthew 24:35 As he is approaches becoming an octogenarian, "elder statesman" Larry Scanlan wishes to share the wisdom he has learned through the years on work, family and friends, and how to live life in this world to ensure we get to eternal life in the next. He has found one amazing tenet to be true: studying the Bible, God's word, is the key. So why read the Bible? Surveys released in 2025 on the Bible reading habits of Americans indicate thirty-seven percent read their Bible once a week. Almost two-thirds of Bible readers find more peace after reading, and eighty-seven percent feel encouraged. The largest increase in Bible reading habits came from Millennials and Gen Z generations. Half of those surveyed wish they read their Bible more. But only ten percent read their Bible every day. These weekly devotionals will encourage and challenge you to read your Bible more, if not every day, just as we eat and drink every day. The Bible has been around for thousands of years and always will be, just as Jesus said. Why has it survived never-ending attempts to marginalize it? Because of the powerful impact reading and studying it has on the way people live and interact. Sometimes humorous, at times heart-tugging and humble, these weekly devotionals are written with poignant reflections on faith, family and friends. After all, at the end of life, what else really matters? Each will direct you to God's word, which will then point you to Jesus and how to accept his offer of life in heaven, while positively impacting your daily way of living. Larry Scanlan, CPA, FHFMA, has worked as a CFO and CEO of several hospitals and as a President and Managing Director of multiple national consulting firms. He is the author of the book, Business Practices, Biblical Promises, and a contributor to Upper Room Magazine.