Satan's fiery darts fly at us from every direction these days. As if a worldwide pandemic weren’t enough, he’s launched the grenade of racial tension, a busy hurricane season, raging forest fires, and, oh yeah, a little election thrown in just for fun. The battle is on, and we know we need to fight; and … Continue reading The Warrior King
The Gift of Repentance
“Home at last,” he thought as he pushed open the door, his stomach growling. The ache inside reminded him that he hadn’t eaten anything all day. He’d skipped breakfast so that he could get in a little hunting before heading out to the field to help his father. Neither of them had gotten any lunch; … Continue reading The Gift of Repentance
We Must Endure Together
We each walk individually with God who will hold each one of us responsible for what we do with truth, how we respond to temptations, and how we steward the gifts He has given us. However, we also walk with God corporately. We cannot—we must not—walk alone. Our God, Himself three in one, created us … Continue reading We Must Endure Together
Do You Ask Good Questions? 3 Reasons You Need To
Did you know that you cannot hear and understand a question and not at least think of an answer? Let’s try it. I’ll ask you a simple question, and you try not to think of an answer. Ready? (I bet you just answered “yes” in your head.) Here we go. When is your birthday? Without … Continue reading Do You Ask Good Questions? 3 Reasons You Need To
The Sacrifice of Praise
Immaculate. Astonishing. Pristine. Breathtaking. Probably no adjective could capture the grandeur of Solomon’s Temple, particularly to the people of ancient Israel. It was a masterpiece, the apple of the nation’s eye. No wonder the prophet Jeremiah wrote an entire book lamenting its destruction (what we know as Lamentations). Not only was the Temple a work … Continue reading The Sacrifice of Praise
Door #1? or Door #2? A Surprising Deal
Let’s Make a Deal has been running intermittently for more than fifty years. On this game show, contestants try to trade up their prizes by “making a deal” with the host. If they choose well, they may start with a shoelace and end up with a new car—or, if they choose poorly, they may go … Continue reading Door #1? or Door #2? A Surprising Deal
Shooting at the Wrong Basket: Three Ways Your Heart May Be Deceiving You About Your Spiritual Growth
It was the easiest basket she ever scored. Her teammate passed her the ball, and off she went down the court. She confounded the defense with her mad handles, and before they knew what had hit them, she was at the basket, scoring an easy two points. Everyone in the gym was shouting her name. … Continue reading Shooting at the Wrong Basket: Three Ways Your Heart May Be Deceiving You About Your Spiritual Growth
I Need Endurance.
We’re quite the sight. A baby happily taking in the outdoors, grinning impishly at any passersby. A large, rambunctious black dog lashed to the stroller, leaping for attention from any passersby. And me, trying to navigate the neighborhood without meeting other dogs in order to avoid kerfuffle and brouhaha. Normally I walk with headphones in, … Continue reading I Need Endurance.
Pray Attention
The grizzled, weather-worn football coach rose from his desk in the Driver’s Ed. classroom. He was about to impart knowledge. Maybe he was going give us the secret to passing our exam on the first try. Maybe he was going to let us go early. Maybe he was going to share his game plan for … Continue reading Pray Attention
Peace You Don’t Have to Imagine
“Imagine there’s no countries;It isn’t hard to do,Nothing to kill or die forAnd no religion too.Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say that I’m a dreamer,But I’m not the only one.I hope some day you’ll join usAnd all the world will be as one.” Those familiar words, penned by John Lennon … Continue reading Peace You Don’t Have to Imagine
Counter-Cultural Grace
On January 24, 2020, the youngest member of professional football’s royal family retired. Eli Manning, with as many Super Bowl rings as Peyton, never quite got out of his big brother’s shadow. Though he didn’t fill up the stat sheet like Peyton or set as many records, he had a knack for taking down Tom … Continue reading Counter-Cultural Grace
Is God Fair?
Part of the beauty of childhood is seeing things in black and white. For this reason, heroes in kids’ movies need not be flawed, and villains need not be redeemed. To a kid, right is right, wrong is wrong, with no gray in the middle. Because of this, kids quickly pick up on partial treatment. … Continue reading Is God Fair?
Halfway-Point Favorite Books of 2020
With June on its way out the door and the first half of 2020 nearly in the books, I thought I’d take a little time to tell you about my top five reads of 2020 thus far. Maybe one of them will be of interest or help to you. Saints & Scoundrels by Nancy Guthrie … Continue reading Halfway-Point Favorite Books of 2020
Be an Intentional Encourager
Have you ever had the experience of getting knee-deep in a project only to realize that it is not going to work out the way you thought it would? I once watched a YouTube video on how to repair my TV and thought, “Seems easy enough.” However, when I got the back off of the … Continue reading Be an Intentional Encourager
For the One Who Feels Invisible
Her name is associated with faithlessness, but not her own. Her master’s. She came to Abram and Sarai when they faithlessly went to Egypt to escape famine. Apparently, they purchased a slave for Sarai while they were there, or maybe she was a gift to Sarai from Pharaoh. Either way, Hagar now belonged to the … Continue reading For the One Who Feels Invisible
Stronger Than Gorilla Glue
Each year the church I attend has a theme, a direction we choose to head for corporate growth. For instance, in 2019 the theme was “Growing Deeper,” so many of the ministry goals focused on taking us as a church deeper in our relationship with Christ than we had gone before. Another year the theme … Continue reading Stronger Than Gorilla Glue
Scarlett O’Hara and Sacrifice
I’ve recently been reading Gone with the Wind, the great American novel set against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Though I’ve read it a couple times before, this time through has been a little different. The hardships of war have seemed a little closer to home, given the crisis affecting our world … Continue reading Scarlett O’Hara and Sacrifice
Just Obey Already!
Stutterer. Fugitive. Murderer. Moses knew a thing or two about failure. Yet, he’s the one God wanted as the deliverer of His people. You know the story. Moses has run away from Egypt because his murder of an Egyptian was found out, and his own efforts to deliver the Israelites had failed (see Exod. 2:11-15; … Continue reading Just Obey Already!
The Unholy Trinity of Idolatry
Read almost any Christian living book from a Reformed perspective, and you’re almost sure to run across this line attributed to John Calvin: “Our hearts are a factory of idols.” This quotation is helpful because it tells us uncomfortable truth though an image of something familiar. Though Calvin knew nothing of conveyor belts and assembly … Continue reading The Unholy Trinity of Idolatry
Do You Want to See God?
Smoke covered the mountain that had been engulfed in cloud and bombarded with lightning moments before. On the peak flames rose above the smoke. As the people stood gazing upwards, the mountain itself began to shake violently. Suddenly, the trumpet sounded, beckoning them to the boundary at the foot of the Mount of God. They … Continue reading Do You Want to See God?
Hungry for Normal
I have a confession to make. I’m naïve. The day etched into the memories of anyone over the age of twenty-five or thirty, is likewise implanted in mine. I remember September 11, 2001, better than any other single day of high school. It began quite normally; because I lived in the Mountain Time Zone, I … Continue reading Hungry for Normal
Pray, Don’t Negotiate
“Let My people go.” That’s the directive God gave to Pharaoh through Moses. All the people—tall, small, old, young, smart, talented, clumsy, and inept. All of them. All the animals too. “We shall go with our young and or old; with our sons and our daughters, with our flocks and our herds we shall go, … Continue reading Pray, Don’t Negotiate
Blessed Are the Gentle
Among the first words Jesus spoke in public ministry were these: “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). We also find gentleness among the fruit of the Spirit listed for us in Galatians 5:22-23. Finally, James lists it as an attribute of heavenly wisdom (3:17). In short, gentleness isn’t optional
God’s Presence in an Age of Social Distance
If you're anything like me, you had never heard the term “social distancing” before this spring. Now it’s a phrase that is permanently part of our parlance. I read speculation that it will be named the word (phrase?) of the year, and I suspect that’s true. Even when the economy begins to open up again, … Continue reading God’s Presence in an Age of Social Distance
Hopelessly Devoted to Shadows
My tenth-month-old son loves to gnaw a good string. Shoelace or hoodie, he doesn’t care. There’s just something about chomping on a string that puts him over the moon. Recently a pair of my tennis shoes was on the ground, and he tried to grab one of the laces. What he didn’t realize was that … Continue reading Hopelessly Devoted to Shadows
Cling to Hope
In my previous article, I discussed symptoms of a spiritual disease that has swept the Church: Laziness. However, since not much is more frustrating than a doctor saying, “Sorry, can’t help ya. Just figure it out,” I want to go back to Hebrews and unpack the treatment plan for our battle with the “slug bug.” … Continue reading Cling to Hope
A Massive Epidemic (that has nothing to do with COVID-19)
The American Church is suffering from an epidemic (no, not that one). I’ve been infected, and I would be willing to bet that you have too. I don’t know where exactly I picked up the bug, but it’s a strong one. It works its way into every part of my spiritual life, and the scariest … Continue reading A Massive Epidemic (that has nothing to do with COVID-19)
Eight Podcasts I Like
Since we're all finding ourselves at home a bit more than normal these days, this might be a good time for you to discover the world of podcasts--or to find a new one to enjoy. Free and downloadable, there's a podcast for pretty much any interest, from fantasy football to The West Wing to reading … Continue reading Eight Podcasts I Like
What Happens When We Cry Out to God
Frightening. Unprecedented. Tumultuous. Uncertain. You don’t need to read any farther to know exactly what I’m talking about. In the past week we’ve watched our world go crazy, not unlike it did one Tuesday in September nearly two decades ago. However, unlike the aftermath of September 11, 2001, when churches were bursting at the seams, … Continue reading What Happens When We Cry Out to God
Where’s Your Treasure? Three Questions to Ask Yourself
Captain Jack Sparrow is not only a surprisingly clever pirate; he’s also a surprising judge of character. He tells young William Turner that he’s on his way to being a pirate because he, among other things, is “completely obsessed with treasure.” Will balks at this, only to have Jack wisely respond, “Not all treasure is … Continue reading Where’s Your Treasure? Three Questions to Ask Yourself
I AM THAT I AM
Yesterday, I addressed the topic of fearing people. I finished by saying the antidote to that problem is fearing God. Today I'd like to share a poem I wrote for a children's program at our church. I hope that it will assist you in standing in awe of our incomprehensible but knowable God. I AM … Continue reading I AM THAT I AM
The Hour Every Week When I Fear People the Most
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:1) Jesus is in the middle of His most famous sermon. He has just finished spinning His listeners’ heads by telling them that if they have gotten sinfully angry at … Continue reading The Hour Every Week When I Fear People the Most
Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid
It was the greatest loss of American life in a non-natural event, an ignominious record that stood until September 11, 2001.* No, it wasn’t the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, or Atlanta. It happened in the jungles of Guyana. On November 18, 1978, as Congressman Leo Ryan arrived in South America to investigate the … Continue reading Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid
God’s Eternal Investment
A gunman enters a church and opens fire, killing nine members of a Bible study. A vicious brain tumor robs a family of their precious little girl before she could start kindergarten. A car accident takes two beloved grandparents from their family, eliminating two mainstay godly influences from their grandkids’ lives. A bold pastor is … Continue reading God’s Eternal Investment
Draw Near: Avoiding the Path of the Prodigal
The Problem Recently I've found myself thinking about the wayward. Like me, you know far too many people with this story. They claim the name of Christ as kids and teens only to graduate from high school and check their so-called faith at the door. They enter the “real world” and show their true stripes. … Continue reading Draw Near: Avoiding the Path of the Prodigal
Praying for Elected Leaders Is More Important Than You Think
It’s hard to imagine living in a more politically charged climate than this one. The advent of social media and a 24-hour news cycle allows us not only to know what’s going on at any minute of the day but also to offer our opinions about it—opinions that can instantly be read and shared all … Continue reading Praying for Elected Leaders Is More Important Than You Think
Expelliarmus!
If you're a Potterhead (like yours truly), you know exactly what the title of this post means; if not, allow me to explain. In the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, the spell to disarm an opponent is performed with the word Expelliarmus! and a flourish of one’s wand. When done correctly, this spell causes … Continue reading Expelliarmus!
Rumble Strips and Road Signs
We love to use them; but we don’t want them used against us. I’m talking about 100% words. Always. Never. Forever. If you’ve got kids who are able to talk, you’ve heard them. “You never let us do anything!” Or, “She always gets to ride shotgun!” Or, “Why do I always have to do the … Continue reading Rumble Strips and Road Signs
Better than Sherlock
Confession: I don’t really like mystery novels. If you know me, that may come as a surprise. I think I seem the type. I like the idea of a mystery and occasionally read them hoping that this time I'll enjoy myself, but I inevitably get frustrated while reading because I read too fast and miss … Continue reading Better than Sherlock
Not Just a Flannelgraph
When you think of Daniel (the Bible character), what do you think? Lions? Handwriting on the wall? The fiery furnace? (Wait, that wasn’t Daniel—or was it? I just remember the three guys. But they were Daniel’s friends, right? Where was Daniel?) Yes, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, and yes, he read the handwriting … Continue reading Not Just a Flannelgraph
Growing in Grace One Word at a Time
“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). Spiritual growth isn’t an option. It’s a command. The Christian life knows nothing of cruise control or auto-pilot. While God is at work in us, we are also supposed to be at work in sanctification (the fancy theological term … Continue reading Growing in Grace One Word at a Time
Five Books I Liked in 2019
I know that there are a zillion end-of-year book lists out there, many by more eloquent and insightful readers than I am. However, because I love to share books I like, let’s make it a zillion and one. Suffering by Paul TrippPaul Tripp is a prolific author, so you have probably encountered him either in … Continue reading Five Books I Liked in 2019
Far as the Curse Is Found
The longest chapter in Deuteronomy begins with hope but ends with horror. Moses has finished reiterating the Law to the new generation who will conquer the Promised Land; now in chapter 28 he tells them what to expect in return for keeping the Law—and what to expect if they don’t. Of the 68 verses in … Continue reading Far as the Curse Is Found
The Greatest Avenger
Fueled by fury, hatred, and hubris, the serpent strutted into the Garden and smiled. He knew the woman would soon wander near the forbidden tree, making his plan almost too easy. He arrived well before her to make sure everything was in order. He had been planning for too long to make a careless mistake … Continue reading The Greatest Avenger
Am I Thankful? Four Questions for Self-Examination
We call them Christmas-and-Easter Christians—the people who attend church only on the “religious” holidays and then assume that they’ve done their duty and go about their business until the next obligatory attendance day arrives. If you’re reading this, you probably recognize that this method of church attendance is a far cry from the biblical mandate … Continue reading Am I Thankful? Four Questions for Self-Examination
Our God Is an Awesome Guard
It was the most costly art theft in history; and if the security guards had done their jobs, it probably never would have happened. Briefly, the tale goes like this. Early in the morning of March 18, 1990, the overnight security guards broke protocol and allowed two thieves into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in … Continue reading Our God Is an Awesome Guard
Scoundrels and Scallywags
From Scarlett O’Hara and Scout Finch to Aslan and Sherlock Holmes, good characters make for good stories. When I read a book lacking likable or relatable characters, I’m unlikely to enjoy or even finish it (I’m looking at you, Pride and Prejudice!). I want to get to know the characters and, at some point, be … Continue reading Scoundrels and Scallywags
Synced with Culture
Had our grandparents heard, “I need to sync my watch with my phone,” thirty years ago, they would have thought you wanted to submerge your phone and watch in water—and would probably have been quite nervous about your sanity. Today, however, the idea of “syncing” is everywhere. Google and Apple sync all compatible devices on … Continue reading Synced with Culture
“Leave on the next train.”
“We’re all done. We’ll clean up the classrooms tonight, and leave on the next train back to Chengdu.” With those words, I experienced something I had only read about. My junior year of college began as most semesters do—by catching up with friends. We talked about jobs, camps, adventures, and boys; you know, the usual … Continue reading “Leave on the next train.”
My Praise
Not much creates rifts and divisions within a church like opinions over music. Contemporary or traditional? Band or no band? Hymns, contemporary songs, or psalms? Projector or hymnals? For each of these questions, I'm sure you have the "right" opinion. We feel quite strongly about our worship. No, let me rephrase that. We feel quite … Continue reading My Praise
