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 […]

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 […]

May I Go In There?

From Jared Wilson’s blog: This is taken from an illustration in John Phillips’ Exploring Hebrews commentary that has always moved me. Imagine with me a Moabite of old gazing down upon the Tabernacle of Israel from some lofty hillside. This Moabite is attracted to what he sees so he descends the hill and makes his […]

Faithful men and a faithful God

“And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,…” (Heb. 11:32-33; NASB) One man had a weak faith. One was a weak […]

The door is open

Normally my office door stays wide open because I enjoy having people stop in and visit for a while. However, on occasion a project demands my full attention, so I close my door. For a number of years, that closed door would periodically burst open, and people would come running into my office, yelling loudly […]