“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-- yes, even his own life-- he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his ...  Read More

“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerus...  Read More

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:5)Three weeks ago in this space, in light of the atrocities in...  Read More

Two weeks ago in this space, in light of the atrocities in the Middle East, I began a four-part series on lament, a type of prayer God gives us to process our grief. In his book Dark Clouds, Deep Merc...  Read More

In last week’s Pulse, in light of the atrocities in the Middle East, I began a four-part series on lament, a type of prayer God gives us to process our grief. In his book Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, Mark...  Read More

Over the weekend, Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched an invasion against Israel. We mourn for yet another senseless war, for lives lost and survivors who will never be the same, and we ...  Read More

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)If you are a fan of the television reality show Survivor, you know every player’s ultimate goal—the one that shapes just...  Read More

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4)A couple of Sundays ago, my worship time was interrupted by the sound of a child loudly ...  Read More

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5)How do you know that...  Read More

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. (Hebrews 1...  Read More

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:10-11)If you are anyt...  Read More

Today’s post is adapted from the May 14th, 2019 NewLife blog.“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 8:11) A few ...  Read More

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” (Psalm 51:12)I am a Chicago Cubs fan, and last week, there was a wonderful moment for those of us who still enjoy watching baseball. One of the Cubs rookies,...  Read More

“Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raise...  Read More

“He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, t...  Read More

On day 3 of a 10 day group tour of Israel, we entered Tel Dan Nature Reserve in Northern Israel, near the Lebanon border. This spectacular area is the site of the ancient city of Dan, nearly 5000 year...  Read More

Today’s Pulse article is adapted from the May 10th, 2022 Pulse.“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28...  Read More

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)Quick question: what do you think the chances are that you will be able to read this article from the first line to the last line w...  Read More

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung...  Read More

I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. (1 Corinth...  Read More

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No on...  Read More

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (1 Corinthians 4:7)In Paul’s first letter to...  Read More

Today’s Pulse article is adapted from the August 11th, 2020 Pulse. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neith...  Read More

Today’s Pulse article is adapted from the March 9th, 2021 Pulse.“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4)Hebrews 11 is one of the mo...  Read More