Compete Or Converge
"[Ruth] bore a son. . . . They called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David." Ruth 4:13,17Walking through campus one day, a seminary professor came upon a custodian reading the...
View ArticlePut A Lid On It
“In your anger do not sin.” Ephesians 4:26Now that the weather is getting warmer, it will be my job to barbecue the hamburgers, or steaks if I’m fortunate! Over the years I have learned, through trial...
View ArticleLeaving Sin City
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin” Psalm 32:5A seriously disturbing...
View ArticleThe Great Race
“Run in such a way as to get the prize” 1 Corinthians 9:24The month of June brings many sure signs of summer: the sweet smell of cut grass, soft breezes, picnics, fireflies, thunderstorms—and runners....
View ArticleFinger Pointer’s Anonymous
“Stop passing judgment on one another.” Romans 14:13A glass of wine or not a glass of wine? To dance or not to dance? To work on Sunday or not to work on Sunday? To play cards or not to play cards? Or,...
View ArticleMake Way
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. —Isaiah 40:3Dwight D. Eisenhower was known for his courageous leadership during World War II. His battle-tested skill...
View ArticleWhat’s For Dinner?
"It came to pass . . . that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1"I can hardly imagine inviting special friends over for dinner and then throwing a few...
View ArticleOur Rally Cry
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” Luke 10:33Whether or not you’re a history buff, you probably remember learning about the historic...
View ArticleNew City People Part 2
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea." Revelation 21:1Are you amazed by the thought of your future in...
View ArticleHoliness Has an Edge
"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2All of us who have kids have been guilty of ending an argument about why they...
View ArticleNot Quite Dead…
“We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Romans 6:2Paul Harvey tells a fantastic story about an encounter with a kangaroo. The Italian sailing team was in Australia for the America’s Cup...
View ArticlePeace in the Midst of the Pieces
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10There I was, minding my own business, shopping for an anniversary card for Martie when something on another shelf caught my eye. It was a box with a...
View ArticleOut of Luck
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11An oft-quoted movie line comes from Napoleon...
View ArticleThe Sting of Betrayal
“Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.’” John 13:21Most of us are familiar with the events in the upper room, where we see Jesus washing...
View ArticleNational Pride
"You are a chosen generation, . . . a holy nation . . . that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness. " 1 Peter 2:9My wife, Martie, and I have grown to love England—its...
View ArticleNew City People Part 3
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea." Revelation 21:1Discover the five habits of people who are...
View ArticleWhitewater Experiences
Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. —1 Chronicles 28:20I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until...
View ArticleWhen the Going Gets Tough
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial.” James 1:12There I was driving along, half hypnotized by the steady flow of traffic. I glanced at the car ahead of me. The bumper sticker read, “When the...
View ArticleAnybody for Servanthood?
"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:26In politics, the paths to success and significance are paved with the right contacts, the right...
View ArticleLiving Here for There
“Our citizenship is in heaven” Philippians 3:20Victoria Perez watched as the Cessna touched down on the road in the distance. When she was sure it was him, she shouted to her children, “That’s your...
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