There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (1 John 4:18) If God threatened to punish us for every sin in our lives, then terrorized fear would be an appropriate response. But the Apostle John…

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Pet. 5:8) Several years ago, my wife, Kathy, and a friend gathered up their kids and took a trip to the St. Louis Zoo. “Big Cat Country” had just opened, allowing lions and tigers to roam…

Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to…

At the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:6-8) Cathedrals, churches, and…

Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my…

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2) At a large conference, I struggled with how to worship when a young woman I have known all her life…

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)  When we love Christ above all, then all loves find their proper order and proportion in our lives. Jesus explained that our first priority should be to…

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior. (Psalm 17:6-7) I have had the incredible opportunity to raft down the Colorado River through the length of the Grand Canyon. The magnificent sights and scary rapids wondrously showed…

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (1 Tim. 1:9-10 NIV) What words did the famous baseball player Mickey Mantle…

These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are mere human rules (Matt. 15:8-9) My unbelieving jogging friend joined me on our path with a new resolution: “I need to go to church more to learn to be good.” I wrestled with…