They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NLT) My friend Gary is always
» Read more
Sitting in the airport terminal I couldn’t help but overhear the cell phone conversation of the man sitting directly behind me. Apparently returning from a business trip this jerk was clearly proud of his accomplishments. He was loud and caustic as he spoke about the stupidity of his boss who, I’m sure, had no idea how he was being taken
» Read more
One weekend in college before Juli and I were married, I went to spend the weekend with her at her parents’ home in the suburbs of Chicago. She met me at the door and asked me to go wait for her on the back porch where her dad was watching television. When I came out on the back porch, I
» Read more
Following is a list of Scriptures that refer to our calling. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list but rather a sampling of what God’s Word says about our calling. Isaiah 6:8 Jeremiah 29:11 John 15:16 Romans 1:1-32; 8:30; 11:29; 12:4 1 Corinthians 1:26, 27 Ephesians 4:1-4; 11 Philippians 3:14 1 Timothy 6:12 2 Timothy 1:8, 9 1
» Read more
I remember as a child watching the Hancock Tower in Chicago as it was being constructed. Even though we lived sixteen miles west of the city you could still get a good view of the structure from certain vantage points around my neighborhood. It was the thrill of young boys to brag about seeing from their yard or from a
» Read more
(Article Originally posted 11/18/20) Proverbs 11:1 (NIV) The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. In Acts chapter 5:1- 11 we find the story of a couple who had deceived their church. It’s the account of the fate of Ananias and Sapphira who had sold a piece of land but only gave a portion to the
» Read more
I recall a billboard advertisement for a church in a town where I once served. It simply stated the name of the church and the words, “Not your mama’s church.” Now I’ll be the first guy to say that my mama’s church wasn’t perfect but this particular marketing angle begs the question, how is this church not like my mama’s
» Read more
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…. Philippians 2:3 (NIV) I’m sitting here watching my son at soccer practice. I have to hand it to Coach Bob. He’s a great guy with a big heart, and coaching fourteen sixth graders is a lot like herding cats. It seems most of Bob’s
» Read more
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV) I was about to board a plane when I spotted them. You couldn’t help but notice them by the way they were dressed and the pattern of their conversations with those around them. I seem to run into them frequently in my
» Read more
One Wednesday deep into the fall, I found myself waiting in the car with the engine already running. It was the start of our midweek routine, our harried race out the door for our church’s weekly youth and children’s programs. The kids and I would grab a pizza on the way over, to be inhaled in my office before we
» Read more