A prayer for election week

“To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He is gracious to us. […]

He promised

Two children standing beside swings on a playground are in earnest discussion. One seven-year-old is attempting to persuade his buddy of his intention to follow through on a promise. He has failed to convince his friend when he utters words that have convinced children for decades: “I cross my heart and hope to die if […]

Cultivating discernment

Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert cartoon strip, has made a career of lampooning inept business management. Some time ago, he used his creativity in a new medium. Using the alias Ray Mebert, a false wig and mustache, and the permission of the company’s co-founder, he guided a group of computer hardware executives to draft […]

The throne of grace

“Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16; NASB) It has been 150 years since Victor Hugo wrote the classic tale of law and grace, Les Miserables, yet it is a story as much […]

Consider Jesus Christ

Too often we think too little of Jesus Christ. We are consumed with thoughts about our schedules and concerns about our children and fears about the economy and election and desires for new possessions (that new outfit or piece of technology). And we forget to think about Christ. But consider Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1). He […]

Heads up!

Even as a young elementary student, I knew what “Heads up!!!” meant there was an incoming ball on a swift and direct trajectory with me head and I was about to get beaned. So “heads up” meant, “watch out” and “cover up” at the same time. Danger was approaching. And most of the time I […]

Help! Who can help me?

It became something of a western movie caricature — a family or group of families is moving into new territory and has no military protection. They find themselves in a narrow crevasse, surrounded on both sides by steep cliffs. Then high on one hill, they see a lone Indian scout. All the members of the […]

Christ, greater than…

When someone wants to look for a new job or when he wants to communicate to a group his personal accomplishments, he’ll put together a resume. This document includes a brief summary of his life — birth, education, and family — as well as his professional progress and achievements. It’s a means of saying, “this […]

Remember?

Ask a disobedient child or a wayward teen, “Do you remember when I told you…?” and you are sure to get “No” for a response. Imagine a boss training a new employee: “This is the most important thing you will do each day. Remember to…” Listen in to a conversation between two retired men talking […]

God’s judgment is sure…and His grace is great

Too many people presume that God is too loving to condemn them — or anyone — to Hell. Yet Scripture asserts that God’s judgment is sure. It will come and it cannot be avoided. Consider Peter’s logic in 2 Peter 2:4-10: If [a better translation is “since”] God condemned the fallen angels to Hell (v. […]

Diligence and the Christian life

Some time ago I was having a problem with my e-mail. Try as I might, I could not send e-mail. My computer just didn’t want to talk to the server. Yet it was retrieving e-mail just fine. Grrrr. This has been a problem that had recurred periodically but would then go away. Not on that […]

A little patience…

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6-7). I confess. I am an incurable mailbox watcher. I have often made the 100-yard trek to the mailbox at my office more than […]

Do you love the Word of God?

This morning we finished reading Psalm 119. One of the great themes of this Psalm is the affection, joy, and love the psalmist has for God’s Word. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. (v. 16) Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. (v. 24) Make me […]

Protect yourself

To protect itself from aggressors, the Texas horned lizard (more commonly known as the horny toad) uses some unique defense mechanisms, as the Smithsonian reported a few years ago: When the creature is threatened by a large predator, it runs through an elaborate behavioral repertoire. First, the lizard will hiss and swell its body with […]

What good is a brother?

“To sum up, let all be…brotherly…” (1 Pet. 3:8; NASB) In the past couple of decades a new kind of profession has developed. This professional is, “a blend of consultant, motivator, therapist, manager, and friend. Who are these people? Personal coaches, who help people ‘define and achieve their goals — career, personal, or both.’ Coaches […]