I did not follow my own advice. When I decided to memorize the book of Romans, I knew it would be a several-year marathon. But I didn’t want to have to wait years to get to chapter 8, so I decided to start the book on the back half, chapters 8-16. My rationale was that right now I didn’t need more doctrine—I just needed a kick in the pants to live the doctrine I …
Follow the yellow brick road. When Dorothy found herself in a strange place and didn’t know how to get home, this pig-tailed girl from Kansas heeded the advice of a dubious band of Munchkins. Dorothy and her dog, Toto, met other needy misfits along the way, locked arms, and empowered themselves with the mantra, Follow the yellow brick road. Reaching the wizard was their mission, and this road would lead them there. Danger, discouragement … 
Have you noticed lately all the assaults against the church? Attacks from outside threaten to cancel the church’s voice. Scandal, divisions and defections within the church tear us down. Trend watchers predict that opposition to the church will get worse. The Bible agrees. Jesus told us that in the end times there will be an increase in wickedness, and the love of most will grow cold (Mt 24:12). I find myself disheartened by … 
Chaos reigns in our country and our world. We close our doors, pull the shades, and cloister inside. But we find no refuge there, because the troubles outside our doors are compounded by the troubles inside. God’s people search for answers but they don’t come easily. External evidence suggests that God is not working: • we can’t see him doing anything • we don’t notice any change from our fervent prayers • circumstances … 
Are you feeling a bit weary? Me too. I have no pressing hardships to complain about. My routine has changed very little (I’ve always had a home office). But I’m having trouble focusing. I’m easily distracted—sometimes for hours. My mind keeps drifting to an unsettled place—questions with no answers, hypotheticals that seem unthinkable, no place to run or hide. I remind myself of the truth that I teach others: you cannot erase negative thoughts—you must replace them. And … |
I grew up in a secular home—never went to church—not even one time. In college I began to read the Bible for myself. It was love-at-first-read, and I never got over it. The book-like-no-other connects me to the Author. It reveals his heart, his thoughts, and his ways. I can’t read his mind, but I can read his Book. |
