Life
Christianity, Six-Inch Headlines, and Fear
I’ve had several conversations with folks in the last few weeks, fearful of the state of the world. Economic downturn, failed leadership at all levels, personal tragedy, and just really bad news all around. A lot of people are starting to think that this is the worst time in history. At least American history. I’ve…
Read MoreThe Importance of a Good Editor (In writing and in life)
I’m currently working on my fourth book, a look at the unique struggles of those who grow up in the church. It’s the most difficult book I’ve written and probably the most ambitious. I have learned over the course of writing three books and numerous articles the importance of having a good editor. I’m not…
Read MoreTalking to Yourself in a Trial
In trials, you cannot directly control your emotions, but you can change them indirectly by leading your mind toward the right biblical considerations. Thinking about trials God’s way generates the proper inner and outer responses. As you begin to see trials more and more from God’s viewpoint, eventually you will read the place where you…
Read MoreWhy the Gospel is Not About “Trying Harder.”
I ran across this clip from Joshua Harris. He explains why the Gospel is more than just trying hard. This is a concept that we must keep reminding ourselves of over and over again. We can’t hear it enough:
Read MoreThe Opportunity I Won’t Get Back
It was my first year in college and I had an important job interview with a Ramada Inn close to our house. I really wanted this job as desk clerk. I thought dressing up in a suit and handing out keys was pretty cool. I had an eleven o’clock morning meeting, which meant I had…
Read MoreFather’s Day Song
As I think about Father’s Day and my roles as a father of three (with one on the way), this song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean reminds me of the awesome responsibility. I enjoy it:
Read MoreThe Gospel and Relationships
Yesterday I preached a message entitled, “The Gospel and Relationships.” It’s a single message in a series of single messages until I begin preaching through the book of James in July in a series entitled, Authentic Faith. Ironically, I took my main text for this single message from the book of James, chapter 4:1-3. Essentially…
Read MoreFaith at the Field Museum
This past Monday my wife convinced me that it was important to take our kids to the Field Museum in Chicago. Monday is typically my day off and this week the museum was free. So we packed the kids in the van and drove downtown. We live in the suburbs and like it that way,…
Read MoreForgetting the Past – Of Others
I had a conversation the other day with someone about a guy we both grew up with. This guy was considered a “bad kid”, always getting in trouble, kicked out of school, and proudly wearing the reputation as “no-good.” So when he came up in this conversation, the person I was talking to sort of…
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