Join the Revolution
“I am the way…” John 14:6
In one of my all-time favorite Peanuts cartoons, Charlie Brown is standing on the deck of a cruise ship with a rather disheartened look on his…
An Eclipse of Heaven
“The city [heaven] does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 21:23
Solar eclipses are an amazing phenomenon. As the moon slides between the earth and the sun, the sun’s brilliance gradually fades. Its light grows dim, …
A Known Commodity
“I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12
My new ministry was at a large, sophisticated church just outside of Detroit. I confess—at only 36 years old, I felt more than a little …
Hearing The Sermon Again
“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 4:17
A story is told about a man who preached an impressive sermon, seeking to be the pastor of a new church. Everybody loved it and …
Full Pockets
“God . . . has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Every man needs pockets large enough to carry all the important things in life: wallet, keys, breath mints. By looking at my wife’s purse, it …
Final Exam
“God tested Abraham.” Genesis 22:1
In universities everywhere, mid-May brings late-night study sessions, caffeine-fueled writing binges, and ulcer-inducing stress as students are preparing for final exams—those critically important tests to …
Thank God for Mothers!
“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” 2 Timothy 1:5
It was Sunday morning and her son still had not appeared at the breakfast table. She had tried yelling up the stairs: “Wake up and …
Under Pressure
“You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:3
When our kids were growing up, we loved having picnics in the backyard. No picnic was complete without a plate full of big, juicy watermelon …
Whose Side Are You On?
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” James 4:4
Ever been caught in the middle of a fight? When I was a kid in junior high school, two of my buddies had a disagreement …
Drumroll, Please . . .
“I will bless those who bless you, . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:3
There are some moments in Scripture that I would have choreographed a little differently if it had been up to me. Now, before you start …
True Hospitality
In 1987, our family moved to California to take up the pastorate of a church in the Long Beach area. The day we flew into town, my secretary picked us…
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