When life goes wrong
If you’re like most humans, most of your emotions are connected to five “f words”: family, friends, finances, fitness (physical health), and faith. When something goes wrong in one or more of those five areas—a sick father, a stressed friendship, an unexpected car repair, breast cancer, a struggle with trusting God—it’s easy for joy to […]
Work is not a four-letter word
If you have time off from work or school, maybe you aren’t too eager to return. You sigh as you take a shower and swing by Starbucks on the way to your fully furnished office. I feel your First World pain. Instead of working for the weekend or hanging on until the next vacation, what […]
Foolish convenience
Jesus told a parable about ten virgins who were part of a wedding celebration. Because the celebration went past sundown, they needed to bring lamps both to light their way and so others could see who they were. But Jesus noted that five of them were foolish, and here’s why: “The foolish ones took their […]
God’s forgiveness is limitless
Biblical forgiveness is not like the express checkout at your local grocery store—maximum 15 items. Instead, God calls you to forgive and forgive and forgive and forgive, followed by more forgiveness, after which comes additional forgiveness, which … well, you get the point. Biblical forgiveness is without limit. Peter had an express-lane mentality when he […]
We need Jesus
A daily ritual in our home is that Dad makes breakfast. Occasionally, number-three son (yes, I grew up watching Charlie Chan) asks, “Dad, can I help you?” I do not “need” his help. In fact, it takes longer and can be more of a mess with five-year-old fingers assisting in the pancake-making process. However, to […]
Care to the last detail
His baby was sick. In fact, she was dying. Those of you who have gone through something like this know there is no greater pain. You would do anything and everything to help your child. Jairus, the synagogue ruler, knew where to go. He approached Jesus through the crowd and cried out, “Hurry! My little […]
Failing to be somebody
The desire to be a somebody can lead people to do crazy things. I will spare you my own foolish stories from high school. Thankfully the Bible is full of examples. Leah and Rachel were sisters. They shared more than the same set of parents. They also shared a husband, Jacob. But when Leah gave […]
Lamb over me
I was studying the Bible with a Chinese friend at our church. We were looking at the word righteousness, and one of the Bible verses was this: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Jesus is the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood was shed on a […]