How Scary Are The Tests Of God?
It is natural to shudder when we think about the tests of God. They seem so scary. Yet I believe the tests of God are the key to hope and joy. Let me …
God's Love
Why Can’t We Admit The Evil Within?
A few months ago a woman told me about her inner life. She said she is growing in a sense of her own sinfulness: Her thought life, she admitted, is …
Why Do Our Children Leave The Church?
Why do so many people—with incredible conversions—parent children who leave Christianity? History overflows with great saints whose offspring lose …
Are We Neutering God?
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recently elected to reject “In Christ Alone” for their next hymnal. Their committee originally chose it but wanted to …
The Ugliness Of Religious-Righteousness
Hurricane Sandy was the second most devastating hurricane in United States history. On October 29th, 2012 it stormed ashore in New Jersey, leaving a …
Might Modern Worship Be Sort of Like A Cocaine Rush?
I once met with a man—let’s call him Nathan—who described himself as a, “recovering charismatic.” He was open to it; but his experience of modern …
I Wonder If Sunday School Is Destroying Our Kids
Several years ago I met with a woman distraught by her son’s rejection of Christianity. She said, “I did everything I could to raise him right. I …
The Self-Centeredness of Unselfishness
[Click here for an audio version of this post: The Self-Centeredness of Unselfishness.] Our romantic 30th anniversary trip to Italy began the same …
Can We Live A Life of Glory And Brilliance?
My wife and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary in Italy. In my absence, I asked my friend Gary Barkalow to write a couple blogs. Gary has spent …
Is It Okay To Love Someone And Not Like Them?
[Click here for an audio version of the post.] I recently met with someone and—what can I say?—I I just didn’t like him very much. Oh, it wasn’t his …
What Is Spiritual Malnutrition?
A few years ago a client came into town for a series of meetings. He asked for a restaurant recommendation, and I suggested my favorite restaurant, …
Sinvitation: Ask Why
A man I know refuses to ask himself, “Why?” When sexual temptations entice, he grits his teeth and orders himself, “Resist!” When other people …