A strange verse exists in Romans 3 (verse 26 to be exact): “It (God’s acceptance of Christ’s blood as payment for our sins) was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who … Read More
Not Fishing — Trashing!
One of my favorite verses is one written by Peter, and in it he exhorts us to continually be “casting all our anxieties upon him, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). What an encouragement in all times, but especially in seasons of stress … Read More
Do I Have To?
I got a most intriguing question from a friend the other day: “Do you think I have to go to church?” Several things weren’t included, so I was left answering a very general, “no way out” kind of question (which was his goal I … Read More
Looking Back
A thoughtful look backward can lead to a fruitful look forward. That’s exactly what happened Tuesday as our family visited the origins of the Stiles family – Blue Ridge, GA. We visited homesteads and cemeteries, looked at pictures and tombstones, and heard stories and memories … Read More
She Loves Me Because…
I’m not the easiest guy to love. In fact, most of the time I’m probably rather difficult to love. And though Julie would probably not admit that (okay, she might at times!), it is nonetheless true. She knows all my faults, idiosyncrasies, shortcomings, failures, and … Read More
Nothing Better Than Being a Dad!
It was one of my Red Letter days as a dad! Here’s how it went down… …I was delivering an orange to my almost-17-year old daughter at Quizno’s where she works. I stepped in, spoke, and she, as always, replied politely. She made her way … Read More
R U a “Spant?”
Balancing two apparently opposite items is hard, eh? For instance, learning to discipline our children without exasperating them; figuring out how to save without hoarding and becoming greedy; understanding what it means to speak truthfully yet compassionately. And so forth! Yet, much of life is … Read More
Is Change the Ultimate Test?
One of the clear and consistent signs of genuine salvation is change. In fact, from the Gospels to Revelation, this thread is so clearly evident that I often find it amusing that people even argue the point (Matt. 7, Matt. 13, John 6, John 10, … Read More
Take Up Your Cross
It’s a famous phrase, found not only in three of the four Gospels, but in hundreds of songs and sermons since. The phrase? “Take up your cross” (Matt. 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23). It’s the singular call of Jesus to all who would follow. It’s … Read More
A “Winter” to Remember
Back in early December I posted a few snow pics under the title, “A December to Remember.” Well, we’re more than 60 days from that post, and it has turned into a “Winter to Remember.” In fact, we’re setting records each day. So far, we’ve been under … Read More