Most children have happy plans for their future. Kids dream of a good life and expect it to happen. And that desire is right. Sadly, many children are not taught how to truly live well. The fifth commandment—“Honor your father and your mother” (Ex. 20:12)—promises a good life (Eph. 6:2). The law’s second table startsContinue reading “Free of Rebellion”
Category Archives: Faith
Interrupting a Funeral
When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” Luke 7:13-14 The coming of the kingdom of God was not heralded by spectacularContinue reading “Interrupting a Funeral”
Where Does My Help Come From?
The Bible is awash with anguished cries for help from humans in need. While on a grueling, uphill pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the psalmist asked, “Where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1). Suffering in desolation and misery, Job wondered, “Does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand, and in his disasterContinue reading “Where Does My Help Come From?”
Manna or Maggots
We eat lest we die. Hunger is a powerful and persistent reminder that we are not God. We are not all-sufficient. We need food in order to live and stay alive. Food is not a reward in Scripture. Food is grace. In this world, food is often a reward for doing something good. We rewardContinue reading “Manna or Maggots”
When You Keep Getting a No
And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 1 Kings 18:43 Success is certain when the Lord has promised it. Although you may have pleaded month after month without evidence of response, it is not possible that the Lord should be deaf when His people are serious about a matter that concerns His glory. The prophetContinue reading “When You Keep Getting a No”
He Doesn’t Just…He Is
What is it you long for? We all have something deep inside us. The roadmap of our hearts leads us there, to the place where our treasure is found—the place where our hope, wonder, and worship reside. God had promised to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and bring them to a new home,Continue reading “He Doesn’t Just…He Is”
For Any Other Reason
Now, let me be clear. Religion is boring. Rituals and meetings for ritual and meeting’s sake is a waste of time unless you like those things. For James, our faith is not about religion at all. It is about having a vital, vibrant, living, and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything else isContinue reading “For Any Other Reason”
Tell Your Children
James 1:22 Do what the Word of God says. When firemen go to elementary schools, they have one goal in mind. Yes, they let the kids climb on the fire engine and even sound the horn but what they want to show the children is what a fireman will look like when he crawls upContinue reading “Tell Your Children”
You Were Never Intended to Be a Majority
According to a recent survey, Christianity will no longer be the majority faith in the United States. This, of course, elicited the usual and expected response from our Christian leaders. Pastors wrung their hands. Parents are worried about what kind of world their children and grandchildren will grow up in. Books have been written andContinue reading “You Were Never Intended to Be a Majority”
Duck, Duck, Goose
In 2004, some friends and I moved into a big house near Southern Seminary’s campus. It was close to our classes and had a big porch that quickly became a social hub. The guys at the house prayed together each Sunday night. We threw annual parties with names like “Back to School Bash” and “World’sContinue reading “Duck, Duck, Goose”
Intentional Faith 