Whitewater 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, …
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 …
View ArticleNow Appearing . . . Jesus!
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14If I were God—and I know a lot...
View ArticleJesus, Our Champion Part 3
"'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" Matthew 16:15Jesus asks you to “Take up your cross and follow Me.” Discover how you can bear that cross with a sense of courage, confidence, and …
View ArticleOpen-Book Test
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8Have you ever taken an “open-book” test? At first blush they seem like a piece of...
View ArticleThe Quarter In Your Pocket
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. —James 5:16Some things are irresistible. For me, it’s bubble-gum machines. I can hardly resist the urge to watch one of those colorful...
View ArticleA Boost of Courage
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. —Hebrews 12:2When my son Joe was a child, I took him to the local YMCA for swimming lessons. I could almost see an Olympic gold medal …
View ArticleGod’s Instrument
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth." Psalm 100:1I’ll never forget my conversation with Erin, who is an accomplished violinist. As we were talking about violins, I asked her whether or not the …
View ArticleGetting Along
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3I’m guessing that even astronomical gas prices won’t stop many parents from packing up the car and taking the...
View ArticleThou Shalt Not Be a Bystander
“He upholds the cause of the oppressed.” Psalm 146:7In 1955, an African-American Christian woman in her 40s refused to surrender her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. As …
View ArticleGetting Over Me Part 1
"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you." Philippians 3:1Do you live to celebrate yourself—or Jesus? Joe...
View ArticleOn Purpose
We . . . are being transformed into [Christ’s] image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. —2 Corinthians 3:18Rick Warren’s The Purpose-Driven Life has had an unbelievable run on the...
View ArticleTwo-Way Street
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14Ever had a one-way friendship? You know the drill—people who always need a favor but never give anything in return. Every time they come close,...
View ArticleA Collector’s Heaven
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Matthew 6:19-20People love to collect things—from baseball cards to stamps to coins. And while...
View ArticleA Parade Worth Marching In
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 For Americans, the Fourth of...
View ArticleNever Surrender!
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10The setting was England’s House of Commons in early June of 1940. Another World War had broken out and the prospects for Britain...
View ArticleYou Are What You Think
"Or he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you." Proverbs 23:7I don’t know about you, but some nights I can’t shut down...
View ArticleGetting Even or Getting Better?
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay . . . . If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans...
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