“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29) We’ve all heard stories of over-bearing parents whose unrealistic expectations for their children … Continue reading Great Expectations

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to … Continue reading Facets of His Grace

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) God is in to “fixer-uppers.” He likes to fix things. I have a southern heritage, though I was the only one in my immediately family that was born in … Continue reading Fixer-Uppers

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run … Continue reading Running Well

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to … Continue reading The Temerity of Anonymity

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19) This year when my son came home from the University of Hawaii, Manoa to spend the holidays with us, he had the chance to … Continue reading Meddlesome Love

“…for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:41) All of us must decide whom we will choose to please in life. It has been said that we all play for an audience. The … Continue reading An Audience of One

“A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’ For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, … Continue reading A Price, a Place, and a Purpose

Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “ Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I … Continue reading Crisis of Commitment