In the scouts, a long, long time ago, we called them aerial runways. Consisting of a rope, or cable, strung between two trees; one end high, the other end low, with a pulley, harness belt, and a profound (sometimes misguided) trust in your own skill with knots. Whenever we constructed a new one, there was […]
Read MoreTag Archives: John
The Apostle of Affection
In his earlier years, John was a short-tempered man with a burning fuse. On one occasion, after Jesus was rejected by the Samaritans, John forgot himself and with whom he was speaking and asked if the Lord would like him to “command fire to come down from heaven and consume [the Samaritans]?” (Luke 9:54). Who […]
Read MoreWorshipping with Spiritual Integrity
A cold war existed between the Jews and Samaritans when it came to the issue of worship. The woman at the well distinguished the dividing line in this worship war: “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain [Mount Gerizim], and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship” (John 4:20). […]
Read MoreMaking Melody
God’s sharp sword stabbed me deeply this week is I was on a scriptural hunt in the Ephesian letter. I was searching for a verse totally unrelated to the one that sliced its way into me. It was another of those verses I feel sorry for (like John 3:17 and 1 John 1:10—look ’em up). […]
Read More“Lord, Are You Sure?”
Recently, my son Jonathan began asking a particular question after almost everything I said. He asks his question, then follows my answer by asking, “Are you sure?” “Mom, can I go outside?” “Sure.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “Mom, can I eat breakfast?” “Absolutely; dive in.” “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” “Mom, can I play X-Box?” […]
Read MoreWooing the Wayward: Loving Your Prodigal until He or She Comes Home
Shattered. Your dreams of your children growing up to be godly Christians now lay like splinters of glass on the marble floor. “Mom, I’m gay,” your son announces. Your daughter reveals, “Dad, I’ve moved in with my boyfriend.” These words take your breath away. Your adult child is running not only from God, but from […]
Read MoreThe Way
All children are unique. However, there are universal truths that apply to all people. We as parents always desire to be sensitive to the unique needs and personalities of our children, but we also want to ensure that they understand the particular, narrow road that all who claim belief in Christ should follow. This road, […]
Read MoreWhen He’s Not Leading
The days of childhood games are long gone, yet the words still ring in your ears: “Come out, come out, wherever you are!” Why does leadership in the home sometimes feel like a game of hide and seek? What’s to be done when a husband isn’t leading? The path of wisdom is pursuing the blueprint […]
Read MoreThe Surprise of Victory in Christ
Victory in Christ. It’s what many Christians want. It’s what we’ve been promised by Christ himself. But a number of questions come to my mind, questions like: “Why don’t we see more victory in Christ?” or “Why don’t I have more victory in Christ myself?” Theologian J. P. Moreland made a very disturbing statement: “It […]
Read MoreHow to Handle Straying Saints
Have you ever rescued someone from drowning? If so, you know how victims often fight their rescuers in the hysteria of that terrifying moment. The same is often true when an attempt is made to rescue those who are floundering spiritually because their faith has suffered shipwreck. Author and teacher Howard Hendricks tells the story […]
Read More