Dishonoring aging parents rarely erupts in open rebellion. It begins in small forgettings—in love postponed, in presence withheld. It is not always marked by harsh words or public scorn; sometimes it hides in busyness, in silence, in the polite cruelty of distance. The skipped call becomes a month; the postponed visit, a year; love, once... Continue Reading

Abram confesses that Yahweh is “God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth” (Gen 14:22). Importantly, this confession of Yahweh as the most high God, the one who owns all the universe, precedes Abram’s justification by faith in Genesis 15:6 when he is said to have “believed the LORD” and the LORD in turn “counted... Continue Reading

One of David’s greatest strengths is that he was tender-hearted. However, the misuse of a great strength can oftentimes lead to great weakness. He was a man of mercy and kindness, but he let that get the best of him at times. He let his tenderheartedness become weakness. He became permissive and passive when his... Continue Reading

The shepherd had work in many ways like your work, yet he worked with sheep. But like David, you can look all around and see your world, even your small corner, as full of God.   God filled his world with props — with trees and eagles and mountains and fish and men — to... Continue Reading

It’s not unusual to hear Christians talk about fruits of conversion or evidences of grace. These are good things to look for in the Christian life. But this can also plague the mind and heart of new Christians. What evidences can a new Christian look for? How do we know if there is enough? What... Continue Reading

One little sin often doesn’t seem so bad, does it? Like one little snowflake, it can be hard to even perceive one white lie, one irritated word, one lustful glance, one unhealthy craving. It can seem too minor and too innocuous to be worthy of concern.   There are blessings that come with living in... Continue Reading

Prov. 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory,” (ESV).   If you are a truly-called-by-Christ ecclesiastical minister of the gospel of grace, then this very short treatise is a little bit directed to you. If you are not a person specifically (and really) called... Continue Reading

“Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4). Instead of his own desires, he pursues their “progress and joy in the faith” so that their “boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.” Paul wanted to visit the church because it was best for them.   It’s Sunday... Continue Reading

When I was younger, I only drank coffee with cream and sugar. But over time, I acquired the taste for black coffee. I came to delight in it. So much more important is our increasing taste of godliness. Heavenly-minded prayer cultivates a taste for heavenly things.   When Jesus teaches us to pray, He begins... Continue Reading

“You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. — Matthew 5:43–44. What an intimidating challenge the command “Love your enemies” is. We don’t have all the tools Paul had, so we can’t use things like temporary blindness to give... Continue Reading