What is your chief goal in life? Do you know? Every human being wrestles with this key question, I think. Sometimes very intentionally. Sometimes subconsciously. Sometimes the same basic quest for meaning surfaces in different forms. Sometimes it has us asking more obvious and pressing questions like this: Is college necessary? What should I major… Read More What Is Point of Life Anyhow?
It is relevant to here reveal two of my personal traits that I have heretofore kept hidden from you. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say: two traits that I have heretofore refrained from announcing publicly. You’ve probably picked up on them if you know me at all and you’ve been paying any… Read More The Holiness Project
I haven’t forgotten that two months ago I started a conversation here about loving God—heart, soul, mind, and strength. But—with teaching and speaking and homeschooling and life—I’ve been finding it difficult to fit blogging into the mix. This might also be a good time to mention that I’m also working on another book! I’m so… Read More Called to the Impossible
It began as a test. In Mark chapter 12 a group of religious leaders descended on Jesus and peppered Him with questions—for the purpose of trapping Him. They drilled Him on tricky subjects, such as taxes and the resurrection. And Jesus—confident and compassionate and clear—answered each one. Eventually, one man stepped out from the crowd.… Read More The Greatest Lesson Ever Learned
Yesterday was move-in day at Moody. This morning I am in my office, watching a thunderstorm roll through and preparing to meet a new class of freshmen for New Student Orientation. I spent much of my (long, stormy) commute praying for them. And as I pulled into the parking garage, I remembered the prayer that I… Read More For the Freshmen
One week ago life was falling nicely into place. On June 15 we signed a contract to sell our home on Green Street. The price was agreeable. We survived the inspection. And we set about to make the requested repairs. The only variable still in negotiation was the fireplace. So in the midst of scheduling… Read More Making Sense of Suddenly Slammed Doors
I asked God for a house showing. I didn’t pray for a contract. I didn’t need an offer. Just one showing would do. It seemed to me like a simple fleece. Let me back up a minute. You might remember that in February we started to homeschool our son, Daryl (7). (Hence, my three-month… Read More Lift Up Your Eyes
Last week I had the honor of speaking during one of the afternoon sessions at Founder’s Week, an annual Bible Conference at Moody Bible Institute. The theme for the week was “No One Like Him” from Isaiah 40, a powerful passage that details what our Lord has done as Creator and Sustainer of the universe.… Read More The Savior of the World
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the… Read More 10 Tips Toward Making Resolutions that Stick
I don’t know if it’s the impending New Year or my current life circumstances or just my general penchant for new projects and plans, but I’ve been thinking a lot about “calling” again—mulling over the concept, talking with students and friends who are straining to hear theirs, as well as reevaluating my own. So, because… Read More 4 Characteristics of God’s Call