Buying Back Time
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.“ (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV) What is more precious than gold, but cannot be bought, earned, or saved? The answer to that famous, old riddle is “time.” Time is indeed a precious commodity – […]
Understanding Postmodernism
Adults have always had difficulties relating to young people. “Dad, you just don’t get it,” was a phrase often heard coming from my two brothers and me. But now, it seems the divide is even greater. It’s not just immaturity or youthful exuberance we old farts don’t get – there’s really a gap in understanding. […]
Leaving the Barnyard
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God […]
Good Shepherd, Good Friday
This week I am praying for a couple going through a divorce, a child who attempted suicide, a young man kicked out of his school, an unplanned teenage pregnancy, a scary emergency room visit, a husband out of work…just to name a few. Seeing the enemy’s hand in the lives of people I care about […]
Super Tuesday Prayer
It’s Super Tuesday! I woke up this morning praying for our country and this election. Like most of you, this election has left me somewhat confused about whom to choose and very disappointed in the level to which politics has sunk. I’m reminded of the prophetic passage in Jude: “But, dear friends, remember what the […]
Election-Day Parable
Once upon a time, a long time ago, in a faraway land, the trees decided to anoint a king. And so they brought forth the most likely candidates. They first asked the Olive tree if he would be king…but he didn’t want to give up his oil to become king. So they asked the fig […]
Cutting Off the Nose to Spite the Face
“The one who sends a message by a fool’s hand cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.” (Proverbs 26:6, HCSB) Solomon is describing how something foolish (like sending an untrustworthy messenger) can lead to serious consequences (in this case the battle will not be averted because the message won’t be delivered). It reminds me […]
What’s in a Word?
“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in a rather scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.” I love this quote. When I read it I think Lewis Carroll must have been a prophet, describing 21st century U.S. rather than 1865 England. Think about it. […]
Following the Good Shepherd
“A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves […]
I Will Grow with Others
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? […]
I Will Worship!
“For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow— of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory […]
I Will!
Ever wonder why Jesus always had a crowd surrounding him? People wanted to be near him. People wanted to listen to him. He called people to their best – but didn’t belittle them at their worst. His personal standard of living was holy, but not holier than thou. He was religious, but not part of […]